Village booze ban gets go-ahead
South Staffordshire Council has given the green light for an alcohol ban in the streets of Penkridge.
The regulatory committee unanimously backed the recommendation from the authority's chief executive Rolf Levesley and it is expected to come into force on January 9.
Areas where the police will have the power to confiscate alcohol and impose on the spot £50 fines to those drinking it in the street include Boscomoor Shopping Centre, the Co-op Food Store and St Michael's Churchyard.
Councillor Isabel Ford said: "We have had problems for years with crowds of youngsters gathering in the village on Friday and Saturday night to drink in the street and intimidate people.
"These do not all live in Penkridge and many are underage. We are trying very hard to protect the public and encourage parents to show more interest in where their children are at night."
When the order comes in force, people who are over 18, drinking and failing to give up their alcohol in those areas could face an on-the-spot fine of £50. They could also be arrested or prosecuted and face a fine of up to £200. Penkridge Parish Council has spent the past 12 months gathering evidence.
