Alcohol restriction zones

We have two ARZs in Wyre Forest – in Stourport and in Bewdley – but there are many misconceptions about them so let me try to put the facts straight.

ARZs are obtained by the local authority – in our case Wyre Forest District Council – with the support of the police. The aim is to restrict anti social drinking by over 18s in public places.

Once an ARZ has been established, police officers, community support officers and accredited Neighbourhood Wardens have the power to ask a person to stop drinking and to confiscate open bottles and cans. It is only once the person refuses that they can be given a £50 fine or arrested.

Police have similar powers to deal with alcohol consumption by under 18s anywhere in public – it does not have to be in an ARZ.

One further point is that an Alcohol Restriction Zone is not an Alcohol Free Zone. The powers are discretionary and are designed to tackle alcohol-related anti social behaviour. For example, people enjoying a quiet picnic with a bottle of wine by the river or in the park would be unlikely to have their alcohol seized.

Stourport has had an ARZ since May 2006, covering the town centre, canal basins, riverside path and meadows, and the Memorial Park in Lickhill Road, while Bewdley has had its ARZ since July 2003 and covers the town centre, the Shaw Hedge Road area and Bark Hill play area.

For the past few months I have been involved in a Wyre Forest District Council scrutiny exercise into the misuse of alcohol across the area and the subsequent identification of appropriate recommendations. This process has taken evidence from a wide range of sources and will be shortly reporting its findings.

CHIEF INSP JIM BAKER, KIDDERMINSTER POLICE

• More police advice can be found at kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/beat