Solihull introduces street-drinking ban

Police in Solihull, West Midlands, have warned they will not hesitate to use their new powers to arrest people who drink in alcohol-restricted zones. The zones have been set up by police, working in partnership with Solihull Council, which has put up signs around the town to let people know of the restrictions. New legislation under the Criminal Justice & Police Act 2001 allows officers to confiscate alcohol from people found drinking or suspected of drinking within the designated areas. Anyone who refuses to stop drinking or hand over alcohol can be arrested or given a £40 on-the-spot fine. Superintendent Paul Scarrott, operations manager for Solihull, said: "This is a superb opportunity to use new legislation to deal with the sort of anti-social behaviour that causes most concern to the residents of Solihull. "This is only the second area in the West Midlands to introduce and enforce the new powers." Police in Halesowen have also worked with the local council to tackle street drinking. Cllr Richard Lewis, chairman of Solihull Council's general purposes committee, said: "We have consulted local people about the alcohol restricted zones and have the support of the public and the police, who both wish to see antisocial public drinking dealt with.