“Alcohol is involved in 40% of all violent crime, 78% of assaults and 88% of all criminal damage incidents”

1. Decision Required

1.1 To ask the Committee to use the powers ceded to it under sections 12-16 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (CJPA 2001) and the Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulation 2001by taking up the adoptive powers available under that act and regulation by restricting public drinking in the areas outlined.

Summary

1.2 The order will come into force 28 days from the panel making the order, this being **** --> [Author:GR]

1.3 These two pieces of legislation came into force on 1^st September 2001.

1.4 They replace the Home Office model bye-law relating to the consumption of intoxicating liquor in designated public places.

1.5 This proposal fully complies with (Reg 3 (1) (a)) that recognises that the Police Service will be responsible for enforcement hence the backing of the Borough Commander must be sought. Chief Superintendent David Commins has as Borough Commander and vis a vis Chair of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership fully endorsed this proposal.

1.6 The legislation requires that neighbouring boroughs are consulted where applicable, Bexley and Lewisham have all been informed. (Reg 3 (1) (c)).

1.7 Licensees in the area have been contacted by letter from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and by the beat officers of the Metropolitan Police and have been supportive.

(Reg 3 (1) (d))

1.8 Consultation has taken place with all sectors of the community including businesses and where possible and/or applicable landowners have been contacted. (Reg 3 (2)

1.9 Reg 5 An advert is to be placed in the Greenwich Time outlining the designated area, inviting public comment prior to the planning panel.

1.10 The Home Office Circular - August 2001 advised Local Authorities who wish to place such a restriction in their area where public drinking is associated with antisocial behaviour, disorder, annoyance or nuisance to members of the public, to consider making an order under section 13 of the Act rather than proceeding with the more cumbersome and complex bye-law process.

2. The Designated Area

2.1 The area was chosen after a statistical review of quantitative and qualitative data including:

2.2 This proposal will cover:

See attached map 3. The Problem to be Addressed.

3.1 This regulation and this particular application of it are not intended to restrict sociable drinking.

3.2 Agencies who seek to help those with alcohol problems have been alerted of the possible introduction of this ban.

3.3 It is hoped that this regulation, should it come into force, will be another incentive for an increased take-up of services on offer.

3.4 The area where this ban is sought is the tourist centre for the borough, and one of the most important sites in London with an international reputation. It should be noted that strenuous efforts have been made by the London Borough of Greenwich to promote the area and that this work has received national recognition. However, these efforts are being undermined by anti-social street drinking.

4. Multi Agency and Public Support

4.1 This proposal is brought under the auspices of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (a statutory partnership under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998) the key agencies involved including Metropolitan Police Greenwich, London Borough of Greenwich, London Probation Service and Health and Voluntary Sector representatives fully support this application.

4.2 Consultation has been carried out with traders and those living in the proposed area and there is strong support for this measure.

4.3 There is support from the licensees of pubs in the area.

5. Evidence Based

5.1 A number of Local Authorities across the country have successfully employed these powers.

5.2 Three London Boroughs have been consulted on drafting and implementing this measure; Camden, Westminster and Bromley.

5.3 Camden Town with its canal area and market is also a tourist area, Kimberly Paumier, the Town Centre Manager, reported that the antisocial street drinking ban introduced 18 months ago combined with other community safety measures has proven to have enhanced the area.

5.4 Bromley Police Officers said :

“The council by bringing in this ban sent out a clear message that vagrant drinkers are not welcomed by the community”

6. Resources

“Alcohol related aggression tends to differ from non-alcohol related.. being more likely to occur in public places rather than private settings; involve males, strangers and more than two people”

Institute of Alcohol Studies Fact Sheet 2000

6.1 There is strong commitment from the Metropolitan Police Greenwich to ensure the successful implementation of this ban and staffing resources have been identified

6.2 Publicity is to be funded from one of the funding streams awarded to the Crime and Disorder Partnership from the Home Office.

6.3 Led by Inspector Alan Willson, Metropolitan Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers will use this power to aid them in their efforts to reduce disorder and antisocial behaviour in Greenwich Town Centre.

6.4 Whilst the Community Safety Unit within the Council is supporting this move by giving time and expertise, there are no financial implications for the Borough.

Background Papers

None.

Report Author: Genny Renard

Community Safety Manager

Chief Executive's Dept.

D:\Customer\Documents and Settings\dina.patel\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK4\1_GR draft report drinking ban Greenwich.doc

ITEM NO: 10

PAGE NO. 1

Checking with Home Office re Christmas and number of working days. Precaution in the light of a challenge in challenge in Manchester