Royal Borough residents invited to have their say on proposed extension to alcohol free zones

The council's crackdown on anti-social, drunken behaviour is taking a step forward with a proposal to extend alcohol-free zones across the borough.

A public consultation gets under way on Thursday 4 December and, if agreed, around 50 locations will be added to the 64 already covered by two orders banning drinking alcohol in public places. These orders give police the power to order people to stop drinking and confiscate the alcohol if they refuse, leading to a fine of up to £500.

The extension would mean that the current two Designated Public Places Order (Alcohol Consumption) zones covering Pinkneys Green and a wide range of locations in the borough would be replaced by a single order covering more than 100 streets, parks and other areas where people gather and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is, or could be, a problem.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare, said: "We have listened to residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour and this proposed extension to the Alcohol Free Zones is a direct response. The data clearly backs what local people are telling us and we believe there is enough evidence to update our existing orders.

"Introducing the new order will increase the number of public places where there are restrictions on public drinking which in turn should help to reduce alcohol related disorder and anti-social behaviour more effectively. "

The consultation runs until Thursday 1 January 2009. Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposal should go to www.rbwmsafety4all.org.uk and then click on consultations, alternatively the list of streets and relevant maps will be available in the borough's reception areas in Windsor and Maidenhead and borough libraries. Responses to the consultation should be sent in writing to:
Esther Deacon, Community Safety Projects Officer, Alcohol Free Zone Consultation
Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1RF

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