Street booze ban on whole of Rotherham: VOTE

A Designated Public Place Order was going to be extended from Rotherham town centre to also cover large areas like Maltby and Wath.

But Rotherham Borough Council’s licensing board has decided that the borough-wide order would send out a stronger message.

It will allow police to confiscate drink from street boozers.

Steve Parry, the council’s neighbourhood crime and justice manager, said: “Alcohol is a contributory factor in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and public place violent crime.

“It also increases the fear of crime and further deterioration of public areas and acts as a catalyst for an increase in the incidents of alcohol and drug abuse and more serious crimes.

“It is clear that where comment has been made on extending the area of the order, particularly from councillors, support is very strong.”

The Safer Rotherham Partnership has provided £8,000 to cover the cost of the introduction of the DPPO, including signage.

Offenders face fines of up to £500 for refusing to hand over booze when asked by officers under the DPPO, made under the Criminal Justice and Police Act.

Action is only taken when there is the threat of disorder, allowing for sensible drinking such as a glass of alcohol with a picnic.

Will the order make you feel safer in Rotherham’s streets? Use the “write a comment” buttons to post your views and click here to join our poll.

READ MORE