County’s first drinking order?

NEW powers to stop alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in an area of Llanelli are being considered.

If given the go ahead it would be Carmarthenshire’s first Designated Public Place Order (DPPO).

Carmarthenshire County Council received an application for a DPPO from the Glanymor and Tyisha Safer Communities Action Group following complaints of anti-social behaviour incidents when those responsible are, or have been, drinking alcohol.

The application has been supported by the police and the council is now consulting on the proposal.

The proposed area includes the length of Station Road and the surrounding area as well as People’s Park.

DPPOs give police the power to stop someone drinking alcohol in a public place or to confiscate alcohol if the person is judged to be behaving or about to behave anti-socially.

Those who refuse to comply could be issued with a fixed penalty notice or arrested and fined up to £500.

Inspector Eric Evans said: “I’m happy to support this DPPO in the interests of making Llanelli a more welcoming place for residents and visitors.

“This is a new move for us and we will monitor its effectiveness in the coming months. But there is a strong correlation between violence and alcohol, and anything which reduces instances of anti-social behaviour and violent crime is something to be welcomed.”

The council is consulting with the town council, licence holders and premises users within the proposed area but everyone is welcome to give their views. These will then be taken into consideration before being approved by Full Council.

Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “This will be the first Designated Public Place Order in Carmarthenshire and it is important we consult with the community which will be affected by it. Any feedback we get can then be taken into consideration before any final decisions are made.

“The Community Safety Partnership is working hard to tackle alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour and a number of initiatives are underway which are proving to be very effective.

“We already work very closely with police to tackle the problem of drunken offenders who cannot behave in public places and who spoil it for others; but there are a range of new powers and tools that are available and if used as part of a package of measures to reduce alcohol-related disorder these initiatives could make a real difference to safety on our streets.”

To have your say on the order visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk; email communitysafety@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or write to Community Safety Manager Kate Thomas, Ammanford Police Station, Foundry Road, Ammanford SA18 2LS by December 16.