ALCOHOL CONTROL ZONES

Borough Green, Wrotham and Platt - What you need to know

What is an Alcohol Control Zone?

An Alcohol Control Zone gives the police additional powers to seize alcohol from anyone causing anti-social behaviour in that area through their alcohol consumption. The order will mean that the police can ask anyone to stop drinking alcohol and to surrender any drink in their possession. Any person who continues to drink alcohol once asked not to do so by a police officer commits a criminal offence and could be fined £500. Anyone who doesn't surrender their alcohol could be arrested.

Will the zones stop me drinking outside a pub or in my garden?

No, the zones only apply to public places, such as the street or a park. They will not stop anyone from drinking sensibly outside a pub or in their own garden. They will however, stop those who may be drinking in a park and who are causing residents problems through their excessive drinking.

Is there a need for these zones in this area?

Although anti-social behaviour linked to excessive alcohol consumption is not a major issue in these areas, there are always a minority of residents who will cause disruption and disturbance to others. These zones give the police additional powers to target those who cause misery to others and will also provide reassurance to law-abiding residents that something is being done to tackle these issues.

What area do the zones cover?

The zones cover the whole of Borough Green, Wrotham and Platt including Potters Meade sports ground, Platt woods and the recreation ground in Wrotham. Maps of the zones can be found on http://www.tmcommunitysafety.org.uk/

When were the zones designated?

The zones were designated on 5 October 2008 and signs were placed in each location to inform residents of the zones. There is no time limit to the zones and they will now be in place for the foreseeable future. The impact of the zones will be monitored to ensure that they are effective and are preventing anti-social drinking.

Where can I get further information?

Further information is available from http://www.tmcommunitysafety.org.uk/ or you can contact the Community Safety Officer at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council on 01732 876247 or email csp@tmbc.gov.uk