Alcohol free zone plan considered

Drinkers regularly converge on Windrush Square in Brixton, Lambeth

Parts of south London could become alcohol free zones under proposals being considered by a local authority.

Lambeth Council is considering introducing a controlled drinking zone (CDZ) to combat alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

It would allow police to confiscate alcohol or stop people from drinking in any of the borough's streets.

Critics have insisted the laws are oppressive but the council said it would only target problem drinkers.

'Righteous anger'

Public areas subject to the ban could include streets, parks and open spaces.

Public consultation on the measures is due to run until the end of July.

"People have a right to walk along the street without being intimidated by problem drinkers," said Lambeth Council's Ann Corbett.

This law is actually anti-social and we think the police shouldn't have these powers Josie Appleton, Manifesto Club

"These extra powers will help the police, council, and partner agencies take action against street drinkers and get to the root cause of the problem."

But opponents said such laws are a sign of "hyper-regulation".

Josie Appleton, from the anti-regulation campaign group the Manifesto Club, said: "Across the country people sitting with friends enjoying a beer in a picnic or walking through town are having that beer confiscated.

"This is outrageous, it's completely unreasonable. They're not doing anyone harm.

"This law is actually anti-social and we think the police shouldn't have these powers."

Several councils in London have introduced CDZs including Harrow in north-west London.

Harrow councillor Susan Hall said: "Before campaign groups have a rush of righteous anger to the head over this alleged state nannyism, they should remember that London councils are the ones who have to cope with the consequences of heavily discounted alcohol and the government's ill-fated 24-hour drinking culture."