Anti Social Drinking to be Tackled in Dalston

Residents of Dalston have been invited to comment on plans to tackle anti-social drinking in areas in Hackney.

Hackney Council is calling for responses to proposed plans to make the borough of Hackney into a Controlled Drinking Area.

The consultation launches today, on the first day of Alcohol Awareness Week.

Although a recent survey revealed that people in the borough think

anti-social behaviour has improved, residents have told the Council

they are still concerned about drink-fuelled rowdiness in Hackney’s

public places.

One way to deal with this is through a borough-wide Controlled Drinking

Area, which gives police powers to confiscate alcohol from those who

are drinking and causing trouble in streets, parks and open spaces.

Drinkers could also receive a Fixed Penalty Notice if they refuse to give up their alcohol when the Police ask them to.

If Hackney became a Controlled Drinking Area, this would not mean a ban

on drinking alcohol in a public place. The borough-wide measures would

simply exist to help curb incidents of irresponsible drinking leading

to threatening or unpleasant anti-social behaviour.

Two Controlled Drinking Areas already exist in Gillett Square and in the centre of Hackney, taking in St John's Churchyard and the Narrow way. 

Since the Controlled Drinking Area came into force in Dalston, the Police issued 618 warnings, 162 penalty notices for £50 and conducted 37 arrests related to persistent drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.  

Cllr Alan Laing, Member of Cabinet for Neighbourhoods said: "If we

decide to make Hackney into a Controlled Drinking Area, it will be

because we aim to put an end to aggressive drink-fuelled behaviour in

areas that should be family friendly and safe for everyone. These new

police powers are targeted at a minority whose drinking causes trouble.

They are not aimed at the majority of us, who may want to enjoy a beer

in the park or a glass of wine at a picnic."

From now until the 24 December 2009, the Council will consult

residents, Hackney’s 750 licenced premises, street drinkers, community

groups and others on the proposals.

For further information about the public consultation, please contact Barry Scales on 020 8356 3137 or email barry.scales@hackney.gov.uk