Issue - meetings

The Chairman welcomed new Members to the Licensing Committee and requested brief introductions from the officers present.

Members were asked to consider an application from the Ward Councillor representing the Charford Ward to introduce a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) which would prevent, when requested, the consumption of alcohol in the area known as Lyttleton Avenue Recreation Ground in Charford, in an attempt to reduce anti social behaviour and drinking in this public area.  On this occasion, West Mercia 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 this area.  West Mercia Police had been invited to attend the Licensing Committee meeting, but were unavailable and an apology had been received from Inspector J. Smith, Bromsgrove District Inspector.

The Chairman invited Councillor S. P. Shannon, Ward Councillor for Charford to speak on behalf of the applicant, Councillor Mrs. C. M. McDonald, in her absence.  Councillor Shannon spoke in favour of the request to introduce a DPPO in this area.  In doing so he referred to complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB), bottles left on the grass and palisade fencing used to cause damage to the bowling club.  Councillor Shannon referred to the Research and Intelligence Unit, Worcestershire County Council, Bromsgrove Profile.  The report provided a rough indication of the 10 wards with the greatest perceived ASB problem, with Charford being one of the wards listed.  Councillor Shannon indicated that these concerns had been raised during Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. Councillor Shannon responded to questions from Members regarding the reporting of ASB, the recent damage to the bowling club and issues raised during PACT meetings.

The Chairman asked Members to note that each DPPO application was taken on its own merit with the supporting evidence from the applicant and the interested parties consulted.

The Senior Community Safety Project Officer introduced the report which also detailed the Home Office Guidance relating to Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs) for Local Authorities in England and Wales.  The Committee was informed that the document set out guidance for local authorities on the issue of evidence required to justify the making of a DPPO as follows:

“The evidence you will require for a DPPO is that there is an alcohol related nuisance or annoyance to the public in the proposed area/s. You should make an assessment as to the likelihood that the problem will continue unless these powers are adopted. In addition, you must have a belief that the problem could be remedied by the use of these powers. Evidence should be based not just on information you have obtained, but also from the police and members of the local community who have reported incidents of alcohol-related anti-social behavior or disorder.  Evidence of alcohol-related nuisance could for example include litter related to the consumption of alcohol (e.g. bottles and cans) as well as police information  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12