Laws against problem premises tightened-up
New powers that will allow police and councils to crackdown on irresponsible retailers and underage drinkers come into force today.
The laws, which are part of the Policing and Crime Bill, will make it easier for council's to strip a problem premises of its licence because they will not have to wait for a resident to make a complaint.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Culture Media and Sport said: "We accept the arguments put to us by local government that councillors should be able to call for reviews without having to wait for a resident or the police to make a complaint. This change will make it easier for licensing authorities to bring problem premises to review.
"The government recognises the real concerns of many communities about drink-related disorder and anti-social behaviour. We are determined to make sure that local authorities have all the powers they need to deal with it."
Meanwhile, the police will now be able to confiscate alcohol from suspected underage drinkers without having to prove they intend to drink it.
Officers will also be able to issue "direction to leave" orders to children as young as 10 who are causing trouble in public places. Previously, these notices could only be given to those aged over 16.
Persistent under-age drinkers face tougher action with the introduction of a new offence for under 18s repeatedly caught with alcohol in a public place.
Shopkeepers caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers twice in three months will lose their licence after a "three strikes" rule was tightened to "two strikes".
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "The majority of young people are model citizens but there are a minority that are not. These powers will make it easier for police to take tough action against those groups whose behaviour can affect a whole community.
"Alongside this we are challenging young people's attitudes about binge drinking. Our Know Your Limits campaign continues to make people think about how much they are drinking."
The new powers are part of a wider government strategy to tackle under-age drinking and related crime and disorder set out in the 2008 Youth Alcohol Action Plan.
