main content Alcohol Exclusion Zone launched in Beckenham

Beckenham Town Centre has been designated an alcohol exclusion zone. The Council order came into force on Friday, 9 June. The Police now have the power to stop people drinking in public and can arrest anyone who refuses to stop drinking when asked to do so by a Police Officer.

The Safer Bromley Partnership, led by Bromley Council and Bromley Police gathered evidence of alcohol related antisocial behaviour in order to secure the ban.

Councillor Taylor, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Safety and Chair of the Safer Bromley Partnership, said: “The Council listened to requests from residents, business and community groups to remove drinking from the public areas of the town centre. This exclusion order will enable the Police to take positive action against those who cause distress and nuisance to residents and visitors.

"Beckenham is by no means a violent or dangerous place but there is a growing trend across the country for people to gather together, drink and act in an antisocial way which can make people feel unsafe.

“We are committed to tackling alcohol related crime, disorder and nuisance and the problems of under age drinking and this is another tool to help us do this. This exclusion zone is a real sign of the Council’s support for the police in tackling crime and reducing antisocial behaviour on our streets. The order is a positive step forward in making Beckenham a more pleasant place to live and visit, and shows what can be achieved when agencies work in partnership.”

Chief Inspector Marshall Kent of Bromley Police said: "While the majority of people are sensible and considerate, there are a few who gather in the town to drink alcohol and act in an antisocial manner and these people will find the Police taking a firm line.

"We want people to enjoy themselves but if they engage in antisocial behaviour they will be arrested and charged."

Rev. Malcolm Hancock from St George’s Parish Church in Beckenham spoke in support of the application. He said: “I am very glad to be associated with this new initiative. It is important that members of the community feel safe from people who may abuse alcohol.”

Notes to editors:

•  What the alcohol exclusion zone means
  It will be an offence under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to consume alcohol in ‘public’- any open space other than that which forms part of licensed premises. It is important to note that it is a discretionary power so where alcohol is being consumed without causing a problem (e.g. a family picnic in the park) the Police would be unlikely to take action.
• What will happen to people who don't comply?
  
  People are required to hand over alcohol in their possession when requested to do so by a Police Officer. Failure to surrender alcohol on request may result in an arrest or the issue of a fixed penalty notice. 
  
•  Why the zone is in place?
  
  Although the vast majority of people drink and behave responsibly there has been a growing problem of alcohol related crime and disorder in the Beckenham Town Centre area. The Police therefore approached the authority for support in dealing with this problem. The zone will provide a proactive tool for police to deal with the potential problems of public alcohol consumption.
  
•  What has happened in other existing alcohol exclusion zones in the borough?
  
  There are already two alcohol exclusion zones within the borough, Penge and Bromley Town Centre. These have proved to be very successful in reducing crime and disorder associated with alcohol and continue to receive widespread public support.
  
  The evaluation of the Bromley zone carried out last year indicated that it has brought real positive benefits to the area with more than 90 per cent of respondents feeling it had improved the image of the town centre and 100 per cent wishing it to remain in place.
  
• The Safer Bromley Partnership is committed to continuously
  improving safety in Bromley. We want a borough where people can live, work, play and learn safely. Our members include Bromley Council, Bromley Police, Health, Probation, Fire and London Ambulance Services, the Metropolitan Police Authority and Broomleigh Housing Association. 
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark, Communications Officer, on 020 8461 7911, or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk