Town to tackle nuisance drinkers

Nuisance drinkers could be banned from Dover town centre

Councillors in Dover want to give police greater powers to tackle drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

They want to use powers under the 2001 Criminal Justice and Police Act to name public areas where alcohol is causing nuisance behaviour.

Police can then ask offenders to stop drinking and confiscate their alcohol.

Dover District Council has taken advice from Kent Police and it is possible the whole town centre could be covered so drinkers do not just move on.

'Important legislation'

Members of the public are also being asked what they think.

It is part of a consultation exercise that is required before the Designated Public Places Order is enforced.

"We urge residents to have their say on this very important piece of legislation," said Councillor Julie Rook.

"We believe it supports our zero tolerance approach to the problem of alcohol induced anti-social behaviour."

The deadline for responses is 3 February.

The ask-the-people exercise comes ahead of new licensing laws which come into force on Thursday allowing 24-hour drinking.

Many pubs and clubs in England and Wales have applied for extended hours under the new legislation.