Police given new powers to seize alcohol

Police officers now have the power to stop people drinking alcohol in public places, according to Horsham District Council.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2014, 15:02 BST
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A Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) can see those behaving anti-socially under the influence of alcohol having their drinks seized.

While not a ban on drinking in public, the order hopes to reduce the number of complaints relating to alcohol related anti-social behaviour affecting the Horsham community.

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Councillor Sue Rogers, Horsham District Council’s cabinet member for a safer and healthier district, said: “It’s great to see that police officers now have greater powers to remove alcohol from those who might behave in an anti-social manner.

“Even though Horsham is a safe place, it is good to see these issues are being addressed appropriately to ensure the town maintains its safe reputation.”

Under the order failing to comply with a police request to stop drinking and surrender alcohol without a reasonable excuse is an offence which could lead to a £50 penalty notice for disorder or being arrested and prosecuted with a maximum £500 fine.

Howard Hodges, chief inspector for Sussex Police, said: “I am fully supportive of this approach.”