A city wide Designated Public Place Order has been in operation in Wolverhampton since April 2013, giving police powers to stop people from drinking and to surrender alcohol if they are causing - or likely to cause - anti social behaviour.
The City of Wolverhampton Council is now proposing to enhance these police powers by introducing an outright ban on street drinking in St Peter's and Park wards, including the city centre, where additional measures are being sought to respond to local concerns.
The only exceptions would be for licensed premises within these wards which have beer gardens or pavement seating areas, and for temporary public events which have received prior approval from the council's Licensing team.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The existing measures have generally had a positive impact on addressing the issue of people drinking in the streets in Wolverhampton, and we want police to continue having these powers which they can use on a discretionary basis to tackle anti social behaviour.
"However, concerns raised in St Peter's and Park wards and within the city centre by residents and businesses indicate that a more robust response is needed in these locations.
"We are therefore proposing to introduce an additional prohibition in the St Peter's and Park wards, including the city centre, to ban drinking in the streets totally.
"This proposal has the full support of police and will help the council meet its priorities of keeping the city clean and safe, by reducing alcohol related litter and tackling anti social behaviour, and supporting businesses and encouraging investment by improving the city's image."
He added: "The existing controls will of course still apply city wide, but this move will enable the authorities to use stronger powers in those areas where most complaints have been received."
The proposals are currently subject to a 6 week period of consultation. People can have their say by completing a short survey at Type=links;Linkid=8017;Title=Wolverhampton Citywide Public Space Protection Order;Target=_blank;. The closing date for comments is Friday 17 February, 2017.
Subject to approval by members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet, it is expected the order would come into force on 6 April, 2017.
- released: Tuesday 10 January, 2017