Drunken troublemakers will be forced to hand over their booze or face arrest after police were handed greater powers to tackle street drinking in Lambeth.
A fine of up to £500 could also be given to anyone who does not comply with an officer’s request to surrender alcohol when the entire of Lambeth becomes a controlled drinking zone (CDZ) from December 1.
The CDZ is intended to crackdown on increasing alcohol-related antisocial behaviour.
It means police can confiscate alcohol even if they only suspect it will lead to rowdy and antisocial behaviour or lesser offences such as littering.
They will no longer have to wait until a crime is committed or arrest someone for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Critics have labelled it as an infringement on human rights which could be abused by police.
But Lambeth Council – which gave the zone the green light last week – said the CDZ was given widespread approval by residents via a three month public consultation.
Some 77 per cent of residents who took part responded in favour as well as 74 per cent of licensed premises.
Councillor Mark Bennett, cabinet member for community safety, said people should be able to walk along the street without the fear of being intimidated by rowdy and aggressive street drinkers.
He said: “These powers are designed to help the police, council, and partner agencies get to the heart of the problem and tackle antisocial behaviour head-on.”
Superintendent Paul Wilson said the CDZ gave police an effective tool to prevent and reduce drinking in public that is likely to be antisocial.
He said: “This includes inappropriate behaviour, noise nuisance, littering, urination, aggressive or intimidating actions or other behaviour that can make the general public feel unsafe or dissatisfied with their local area."
Police and the council have emphasised it will not be an offence to drink alcohol in a designated public place such as a street or park, but failure to comply with an officer’s request could result to arrest and a fine.
The entire borough will make up the CDZ to prevent simply displacing aggressive drunks to other areas.
No paperwork or notices are required to enforce the powers.
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