Lib Dems Call for Play Areas Alcohol Ban

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats' campaign for all children's play areas to be declared alcohol free zones could move a step closer to success this week with the Council's Licensing Committee set to decide this week whether to back the proposal.

The Lib Dems want to see the council use its available powers to impose a ban on the consumption of alcohol in play areas in order to make them safer places for children to play.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Putnoe Ward Coun Myrtle Stewardson is calling on her fellow members of the Licensing Committee to back the proposal.

Commenting on the issue, she said:

"Discarded, empty and often smashed bottles of alcoholic drinks have sadly becoming a more and more common sight in our children's play areas, particularly during the spring and summer months. They are being used at night as a place where people gather and drink alcohol. Parents and their young children suffer the consequences of this as debris and vandalism can turn play areas into very dangerous places. The borough council has a duty to do what it can to tackle this problem, which can also make life a misery for local residents near play areas thanks to excessive noise and general anti-social behaviour.'

"There is no good reason for anyone to ever be drinking alcohol in a children's play area. We must take action now to make them safer places for children to play."

The Licensing Committee will determine at its meeting on Thursday 4th December whether or not it will back the Lib Dems' plans, which will also require the approval of the full council. The designation of play areas as alcohol free zones will enable the police to require individuals to stop drinking alcohol immediately and to confiscate alcoholic drinks from drinkers in play areas. Where individuals do not comply with such requests they could be arrested and, upon conviction, fined up to a maximum of £500.