Booze ASBOs for troublemakers

Authorities can now slap troublemakers with a "booze ASBO" banning them from certain pubs, bars, off licences and public places.

The new Drinking Banning orders (DBO) can be applied to anyone over the age of 16 and can last from two months to two years. Anyone who breaches a DBO can be liable for a fine of up to £2,500.

Offenders can also be referred to a Positive Behaviour Intervention Course to address their alcohol misuse and successful completion can lead to a reduction in the length of the DBO. The course, costing between £120-£250, will be paid for by the offender.

"These orders will stop those people who are well known to the authorities, licensees and often the communities where they live, from ruining lives and will make them face up to their destructive behaviour," said Home Office Minister Alan Campbell.

"If irresponsible drinkers do not accept support, these orders will ensure that they face some very real consequences."

The move was also welcomed by trade representatives. Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: "Tough enforcement against offenders is critical if we are to change the culture around problem drinking.

"We support Government steps to encourage police, local authorities and magistrates to use the powers at their disposal to combat the behaviour of a troublesome minority."

Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern chief executive, said more must also be done to curb the sale of cheap alcohol.

"Policing of alcohol-related crime must go hand in hand with more robust measures to curb irresponsible and illegal sales and improved treatment pathways for dependent drinkers," he said.

"We welcome the idea of positive behaviour courses to educate people about alcohol harm - these courses should be available for everyone who has been given a Drinking Banning Order. "