Police proclaim drink ban success

A designated public places order was put in place to try to drive out drink-related anti-social behaviour following concerns from local residents.

Inspector Darren Minton, of the West Bowling neighbourhood policing team said: “The order ensures that those in a specified area who do not stop drinking at the request of an officer can face arrest and a fine of up to £500.

“In the first month of the order being in force, there has been a 28 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour in West Bowling and a 29 per cent reduction in overall crime.

“We are not complacent, however; and we are keen to ensure that these kinds of reductions in crime continue to be seen.

“As we have said before, the order does not mean that there is a complete ban on alcohol in the area, it simply means that we have the powers to stop people drinking and ensure they surrender their alcohol. This includes the use of fixed penalty notices of £50 where people fail to comply.”