Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to introducing a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), which would prevent, when requested, the consumption of alcohol in the Cofton Hackett area in an attempt to reduce anti-social behaviour and drinking in these public areas.  This matter was being brought before the Committee as the Police, who are responsible for enforcing any restrictions on public drinking in designated areas, were not willing to support this particular request as they had insufficient evidence of anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol consumption in the area, and felt that they already had sufficient measures in place to keep any anti-social behaviour occurring in the area under control.

At the Chairman’s discretion, Councillor P. M. McDonald, County Councillor representing the County Electoral Division for Beacon, spoke in favour of introducing a DPPO in this area.  In doing so he stated that it had been raised as a top issue during a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting and during an additional Public Meeting.  In addition over four hundred people had been contacted and Neighbourhood Watch had expressed concern regarding the consumption of alcohol.  A Dispersal Order under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 had been implemented by an adjoining authority.

It was noted that information provided by the police had shown that during the period from 1st June 2007 to 27th November 2008 only 4 incidents out of a total of 59 reports of anti-social behaviour were linked to the consumption of alcohol in the area.  Following discussion on the absence of clear evidence of alcohol related public nuisance or disorder, it was 

RESOLVED that the request for the creation of a Designated Public Places Order in the Cofton Hackett area, Bromsgrove be deferred until the next Licensing Committee meeting.  Officers were tasked to obtain further evidenced information from Neighbourhood Watch, West Mercia Constabulary and PACT meetings.