Proposals to extend controls on street drinking in Nottingham City were approved at a full council meeting on May 12th.

Designated public places orders (DPPOs) are currently enforced in City Centre and Hyson Green areas. Plans to introduce a new order are in response to concerns raised from the police, residents, community groups and businesses in the Sneinton, Forest and Mapperley areas regarding problems of harassment and nuisance due to drinking in public places.

When introduced, the Order would make it an offence either to continue drinking when asked by an authorised person to stop, or by failing to surrender alcohol when asked to do so in the identified areas. The order also carries Police powers of arrest for the offence of failure to comply.

Consultation with owners / occupiers of premises in the two areas during February and March 2008 found strong support in favour of the plans.

The effects of the Order will be assessed after six months to ascertain if enforcement has resulted in migration of problems to adjoining areas. If that is the case, consideration will be given to introducing further Orders to protect the areas affected. Any new Orders will be subject to substantiated evidence of problems and a consultation procedure in accordance with Regulations.

Councillor Eunice Campbell, Portfolio Holder for customer services, consultation and area working said: "Drinking in public places can lead to anti social behaviour and makes people feel unsafe. Applying restrictions in problem areas can act as an effective deterrent and stop problems developing, something we’re aiming to achieve in this case. We want to reassure people that the Council is listening and is committed to tackling anti social behaviour in order to make communities across Nottingham safer places to live."

Similar measures to tackle anti-social behaviour related to drinking in public places were introduced in the City Centre in 2005 and Hyson Green in 2006. During 2007 alcohol was confiscated on 998 occasions and over 1000 warnings were issued in the City Centre area. In the same year there were over 100 confiscations and 221 warnings issued in Hyson Green.

It is intended that the order will come into force on 23 May 2008.

Click here for more information about the order.