Planned Tunstall Alcohol Restriction Zone (ARZ)
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is considering the use of powers under section 13 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to restrict the consumption of alcohol in public places in Tunstall. (See Map below which highlights the proposed ARZ)
This mean that if the ARZ is granted it will become an offence to drink alcohol in public places after being requested not to do so by a police officer. The police will have the power to require the surrender of alcohol and containers in these circumstances and those who fail to comply will be liable to arrest.
This means that although your property and garden is within the proposed area, it is not a “public place”, and as such will not be affected by the proposed order. These powers are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities, for example families having a picnic in a park or on the beach with a glass of wine. While police officers have the discretion to require an individual to refrain from drinking regardless of behaviour, guidance suggests, that it is not appropriate to challenge an individual consuming alcohol where that individual is not causing a problem.
Regulation 5 of the Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulations 2007 states that before an Order is made, the City Council must consult with residents and licensed premises in the area where the Alcohol Restriction Zone could be put in place.
The consultation period is underway and there are a number of opportunities for member of the public to view the maps in more detail, and to ask further questions. Currently, there are three sessions planned: 1. Sandyford Fire Station - Friday 11/11/2011 4.00pm - 8.30pm. 2. Tunstall Market - Wednesday 16/11/2011 9.00am - 2.00pm 3. Tunstall Market - Friday 18/11/2011 9.00am - 2.00pm. If you have any issues with this proposed ARZ, view or opinions, please attend one of these sessions.
You can also send in your comments by email or letter, also any information you might have regarding alcohol related incidents or problems within your area. All of your comments, views etc should be sent in by 2nd December 2011.
Email to: safer.citypartnership@stoke.gov.uk
Safer City Partnership Town Hall, Civic Centre Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1HH.
