19 - Alcohol ban agreed for Sedgley

 

At its meeting last night (March 18) the committee agreed proposals for an Order to make Sedgley a designated public place where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited, apart from within licensed premises.

 

The area affected by the Order, which will come into effect from May 2, will include the town centre itself, Dormston, Alder Coppice, St Chad’s and Queen Victoria schools and also stretch to Cotwall End Nature Reserve at the south of Sedgley and Beacon Centre for the Blind at the north end.

 

Although the police already have powers to confiscate alcohol from people who are or appear to be under the age of 18, the Order gives them the power of arrest. This will also act as an important deterrent and as a method of enforcement in dealing with this type of anti-social behaviour.

 

Around 300 households in the immediate area of the proposed ban were informed about the plans, which have also been discussed at an area committee meeting. There were 39 representations made, all in support of the proposals.

 

Councillor Julian Ryder, chair of the licensing and safety committee, said:

“This order will give the police more powers to put a stop to this kind of anti-social behaviour in and around the Sedgley area. We are pleased the Order will come into effect in May and we are sure it will be welcomed by the police and local residents alike.”

 

PC Richard Narrowmore, said:

“This is an excellent example of neighbourhood policing. We work with our partners, including safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership, and Sedgley Beacon Tenants and Residents Association, listening to the concerns of the community and acting on them.

 

“The alcohol ban will be robustly enforced by the Sedgley policing team. We are committed to reducing alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour to make Sedgley a safer place to live, work and visit.”

 

The Order will be reviewed after 12 months by the police.