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Alcohol consumption in public places

Designation Orders

The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 gave local authorities the power to designate public areas through the introduction of Designated Public Places Ofcers where it is an offence to drink alcohol after being required by a police officer not to do so.  The police have the power to require individuals to surrender the alcohol and any opened or sealed containers, and if they fail to comply with the request they can be arrested.  The powers - which replaced the old drinking bylaws - were introduced to help police deal with the propblems of anti-social drinking in the public space.  These orders make it easier for local authorities to designate places where restrictions on public drinking will apply and can be used in areas that have experienced alcohol-related disorder or nuisance.

The police (and COmmunity Safety Officers accredited through a community safety accreditation scheme), have powers to control the consumption of alcohol within the designated area.  If they believe someone is consuming alcohol or intends to consume alcohol they can:

  • require them to stop; and
  • confiscate alcohol from people whether the drinking vessel is unopened or not.

If someone, withouth a reasonable excuse, fails to conply with the officer's request they are committing an offence and further action can be taken:

  • a penalty notice for disorder of £50;
  • arrest and prosecution for a level 2 fine (maximum £500);
  • bail conditions can be used to stop the individual from drinking in public.

Areas covered:


PDF file Exmouth (1285KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)
The Strand, The Strand Gardens, Manor Gardens
The Magnolia Centre
Knappe Cross Playing Field
Phear Park
Brixington Recreation Ground
Imperial Recreation Ground
Gunfield Gardens

PDF file The Maer (189KB - 19 September 2007 - PDF Help)

PDF file Axminster (291KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)
Trinity Square
Minster Green
All Playing Fields

PDF file Colyton (107KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)

St Andrews Community Shelter including the walkway between Lower Church Street and Vicarage Street

PDF file Honiton (380KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)

Allhallows Playing Field

PDF file Ottery St Mary (207KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)

Canaan Way, Land of Canaan

PDF file Seaton (279KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)

Fore Street,
Queen Street,
Marine Parade,
Marsh Road (Public Toilets)
All Children’s Playing Areas
Public Shelters

PDF file Sidmouth (3114KB - 11 May 2006 - PDF Help)

The Esplanade, The Ham, Market Square
All Play Parks

Page last updated on 18 May 2012