What is an Alcohol Restriction Zone

The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 allows the Council to make orders which restrict public drinking in certain places, these orders are known as Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs) and apply to areas where alcohol related anti social behaviour is wide spread. Areas covered by a DPPO are often referred to as Alcohol Exclusion Zones, this is, in fact, incorrect because alcohol consumption is only restricted and not excluded.

The restrictions generally apply to any place where the public have access and would include churchyards, forecourts, railway and bus stations etc. The restrictions do not apply to licensed premises.

New Alcohol Restriction Zone for Trinity Walk

The Alcohol Restriction Zone for Trinity Walk which went out for consultation was approved and will go live as of Monday 28 November 2011.  A map of the new Alcohol Restriction Zone is available to view under 'Downloads '. 

Where are they?

Below are the alcohol restriction zones in the district. Maps of the Alcohol Restriction Zones are available to view under ‘Downloads’.

Wakefield

• Inner Wakefield City area
• Lower York Street, Wakefield 
• Trinity Walk Shopping Centre

Pontefract

• Pontefract Town Centre
• Valley Gardens, Pontefract

How do they work?

• It is not a criminal offence to consume alcohol within a designated area. However an offence is committed if a person refuses to comply with a Constable’s or Police Community Support Officer’s request to refrain from drinking in that public place.
• There are further powers to seize and dispose of alcohol contained in an open bottle or can.
• A Police Constable has a power of arrest if an offence is committed.
• Council neighbourhood/civic patrollers do not have power to enforce DPPOs unless they have been accredited by the Chief Constable.
• An offender can be served with a Penalty Notice for Disorder (which is similar to a fixed penalty), of £50.00 or prosecuted before the magistrates court where a fine not exceeding £500.00 may be imposed.
• An alcohol restriction zone cannot include licensed premises or the outdoor areas/gardens. A pavement café licence attached to such premises is also outside the scope of a DPPO.

Will any further zones be introduced?

We must demonstrate that alcohol related anti-social behaviour is commonplace in the proposed area or the area may be subject to displacement of street drinkers from another area, before making an order. If we choose to introduce any new zones then we must undergo a consultation and notification process before the order can take effect.