Tram Sunday booze control hailed a success
10:39am Wednesday 23rd July 2008
Police and council bosses say new measures to control drinking on Fleetwood streets helped make Tram Sunday a great success.
The day passed off peacefully with police saying the Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), which banned people from drinking outside public houses in the town centre, helped create a positive atmosphere.
The order is a tool that can be used by local authorities to deal with the problems of anti-social alcohol drinking in public places and once an order is in place the police can use their confiscation powers to enforce the restriction.
A DPPO was introduced in Fleetwood earlier this month in time for Tram Sunday.
Chief Inspector Tracie O'Gara said: “The new orders were used to great effect and the feedback we had was extremely positive as the day was a great success."
Wyre Borough Council's licensing committee chair, councillor May Gandhi, said: “This was a good early test for the new controls and the results have been overwhelmingly positive.
“Residents who attended the event have already told me how much they enjoyed the day, particularly because it was trouble-free.
“It certainly shows that the initiative is already having an impact and it bodes well for when the scheme is extended to Cleveleys and Poulton.”
Sgt Gary Tunstall from Fleetwood police station added: “We made no arrests directly related to Tram Sunday and didn’t have to issue any penalty tickets for breaching the DPPO as people were happy to comply when we made them aware.
“I would like to thank the licensees, shopkeepers and residents of Fleetwood for making this year a really great family day out. “The Tram Sunday Committee have done a fantastic job and should be congratulated for organising one of the biggest outdoor events in Lancashire.”
DPPOs are available in areas that have experienced alcohol-related anti-social behaviour problems.
They have been used across the country in areas ranging from a single street or park, to town centre or city-wide areas.
It is not an offence to consume alcohol within a designated area, but failure to comply with an officer's requests to stop drinking and surrender alcohol without reasonable excuse is.
Police officers and Police Community Support Officers now have the power to control the consumption of alcohol within these areas under their discretion.
They are able to stop and confiscate alcohol if they believe someone is, has or intends to drink in these public places.
The order is not an outright ban on drinking in the open air but failing to comply with an officer's requirement in respect of this order is an arrestable offence and can lead to a £50 fixed penalty notice.