Booze ban is finally introduced

A ban on drinking booze on the streets of a Staffordshire village comes into force on Friday.

The prohibition covers areas across Penkridge including Boscomoor Shopping Centre, the Co-op Food Store and St Michael's Churchyard.

It means police can control the consumption of alcohol and force people to surrender their drinks. Anyone failing to comply could be handed a fixed penalty notice of £50 or be arrested and prosecuted, with a fine of up to £200. The order was issued by South Staffordshire Council.

It came after submission of evidence collected by the police and Penkridge Parish Council, detailing the nuisance caused by anti-social behaviour stemming from public drinking in the village over the past 12 months.

The issue, which went before South Staffordshire Council's Regulatory Committee earlier in the Autumn, was backed unanimously.

Leader of South Staffordshire Council and portfolio holder for the Community Safety Team, councillor Brian Edwards, said: "Alcohol is one of the main drivers of anti-social behaviour so I'm delighted to see the alcohol ban coming into force.

"The Community Safety Team is working closely with the police, local residents, businesses and the parish council to help make Penkridge a safer place to live, so I hope that this ban will help make a real difference."

Meanwhile, residents and business owners across Cheslyn Hay are currently being asked for their views on proposals for a booze ban.

Cheslyn Hay Parish Council, supported by the neighbourhood police team, is backing the bid for a ban.

Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Brian Edwards, said: "Alcohol is one of the main drivers of anti-social behaviour which can in turn lead to violence. This order would help to combat some of the problems Cheslyn Hay has seen recently with criminal damage, alcohol-related litter and anti-social behaviour."

Those wishing to have their say must do so no later than January 19. They can give their views of the proposed plans by emailing communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk or by writing to South Staffordshire Council, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX.