Alcohol controls come into force

Warning signs are being put up around the town centre

Signs warning people about an alcohol control zone coming into force have been put up in a Surrey town centre.

Controls on public drinking are being brought in across Redhill on 1 October.

The move was agreed earlier this year, but the boundaries have been altered after public consultation, Councillor Joan Spiers said.

She said the control zone covered places where problems had been identified with anti-social drinking or drink-related nuisance.

"These alcohol controls will make an enormous difference to the people of Redhill," she said.

People will be able "to live, shop and work without the fear of street drinkers", she added.

Picnics not affected

Insp Clive Davies said he was "confident" that when the order came into effect, it would have "a positive impact".

Under the Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), it is not an offence to consume alcohol in the control zone, but police can ask people to stop drinking and also confiscate it.

If they continue to drink after being asked to stop they can be fined, and if they fail to surrender alcohol to the police, they can be arrested.

Mrs Spiers said it would not affect peaceful family picnics, and excluded licensed premises and "continental-style" pavement cafes.

A copy of the DPPO is being sent to the Home Office.