Designated Public Places Orders
A Designated Public Places Order (in some areas of the country these have been referred to as Alcohol Free Zones, although this is an incorrect description) can be applied to an area designated by a local authority where there is proven evidence of persistent anti-social behaviour caused by people drinking in public.
The legislation gives additional powers to Police Officers to confiscate alcohol from those over the age of 18, if it is suspected that the consumption of alcohol is causing or may lead to Anti-Social Behaviour. Refusal to comply may lead to arrest and/or a fine of up to £500.
A Designated Public Places Order (also known as a DPPO) cannot be used for problems involving drinking in public by those under the age of 18. This is because the Police already have powers to confiscate alcohol from under-age drinkers.
You may be aware that the Coalition Government has proposed making changes to a number of pieces of legislation, including Designated Public Places Order, and replacing such orders with a new Community Protection Order. Proposed changes are anticipated to take effect in late 2012 or early 2013. Until then all Designated Public Places Orders that are in place are still current. Please check back regularly for updates on the proposed changes to the legislation.
Wheatfields Park, St Ives
There is a DPPO in place which covers the whole of Wheatfields Park in St Ives.
Town Centre and Warners Park, St Ives
In 2011 a DPPO was agreed that covers the town centre area and Warners Park in St Ives. The area covered is defined as: public places within the area of St Ives bordered by and including: the River Great Ouse, Church Walk, Westwood Road, Ramsey Road, North Road, Globe Place, East Street, The Quadrant, Oliver Road, Cromwell Place, The Quadrant, Meadow Lane and Harrison Way, and including Crown Walk and Warners Park. Excluded from the Order are: (a) premises holding a premises licence or club premises certificate authorising the sale or supply of alcohol, and places within the curtailage of such premises, during the period of such authorisation and for a period of 30 minutes thereafter; premises having at the time a temporary event notice authorising the sale and supply of alcohol, during the period of such authorisation and for a period of 30 minutes thereafter; and pavement café’s during their licensing hours where activities relating to the sale or consumption of alcohol are permitted; (b) public places where the premises licence is held by a local authority or the premises licence is held by another person but the premises are occupied by such an authority or are managed on its behalf at times when they are being used for the sale or supply of alcohol, and at times falling within 30 minutes after the end of a period during which it has so been used; (c) Warners Park on Saturdays from 12.00 noon until 18.30 hours and Sundays from 12.00 noon until 21.30 hours, and for a period of 30 minutes thereafter.