Stafford Borough Council’s Cabinet last night agreed to extend Stone town centre’s alcohol restriction zone to stop people drinking on Morrisons’ car park.
Staffordshire Police asked the borough council to amend an existing order in the town centre following problems with people drinking on Morrisons car park. Cabinet members agreed in principle to the request and a public consultation will now take place.
Staffordshire Police wants the town centre restriction to be extended to include the car park and surrounding area. The orders give officers the power to confiscate alcoholic drinks from under-18s and disperse groups of young drinkers who gather in public places.
Failure to hand over the alcohol to police or leave when ordered to do so in a restriction zone is a criminal offence.
A report prepared for Cabinet members stated: “The existing alcohol restriction zone in Stone town centre has proved to be an effective tool in tackling alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour within the town.
“There is, however, evidence that any persons who are dispersed from the existing zone relocate to the car park of the Morrisons store.
“In order to assist Staffordshire Police in tackling the issue, the council has been asked to extend the existing zone to include the car park and surrounds of the Morrisons store.
“There is clear evidence that the existing restriction zone has helped police to address alcohol-related incidents and to reassure the public that positive action is being taken to protect them and the environment.”
Click here to see the report to Stafford Borough Council’s Cabinet in full (click on ‘Meeting Agenda’ to see the report)
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