Henley Designated Public Place Order
In March and April 2011 we asked for your comments on proposals to introduce a Designated Public Place Order in Henley on Thames.
Background
Thames Valley Police submitted a formal request to the council, asking that we consider the introduction of an order in the town (preferably in time for this year’s Royal Regatta).
A designated public place order is a tool to help tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public places. The order means that within a specified area, a police officer, police community support officer or special constable has the power to ask someone to stop drinking if they are behaving or are likely to behave in an anti-social way. This may result in confiscation of the alcohol (whether it’s in open or unopened containers).
The order is not a total ban on drinking alcohol in Henley. It just makes it an offence to carry on drinking alcohol if the police ask you to stop. It is not intended to stop anyone from drinking sensibly. For example, if someone is drinking alcohol with a picnic by the riverside enjoying the Regatta or drinking alcohol responsibly outside licensed premises, they won’t be affected.
In summary, the order in Henley will help to:
• cut down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour in public places around the town (particularly during the Regatta)
• show that anti-social drinking is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Henley's public places
• make Henley a place where residents, businesses and visitors feel safe
• protect the economic viability of the town
Please note that the following will be excluded from the order:
• Any premises with a premises licence or club premises certificate, (Regulations 3(3)(b)(i) or (iii));
• Any places which are in the curtilage of premises with a premises licensed or club premises certificate, (Regulation 3(3)(b)(iv));
• Any place where the Council had granted a Temporary Event Notice, (Regulation 3(3)(b)(v));
• Any premises permitted for the sale or consumption of alcohol under Section 115 (E) of the Highways Act 1980 (Regulation 3(3)(b)(vi))
Regulations in brackets refer to the Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulations 2007.
What you told us and how we have responded
Thank you to everyone who commented on the proposal. You can read what people told us and how we have responded
Responses were generally positive although we have amended the proposed order in response to suggestions from residents. The area covered by the order will now include an additional footpath (in the Elizabeth Road area) and Leicester Close.
What happens next?
Councillors will consider a recommendation to approve the updated order at a meeting of full Council on 16 June 2011 . The papers for the meeting will be available five working days before hand. After the meeting the minutes showing the outcome will also be available on this page. You can view agendas and minutes when available using the link below:
Consultation closed on 15 April 2011
Last reviewed: 20 - 04 - 2011