No hiding place for nuisance drinkers

Police have warned residents and visitors that drinking alcohol in the streets and other public places is not allowed in certain parts of the town.

The reminder follows increased patrols by police in the town this summer to counteract underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour. They have also enlisted the support of off-licences who have been asked not to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 on Friday and Saturday nights.

The drinking ban, which came into effect in 2003, covers the town centre, Fort Road recreation ground, Lewes Road recreation ground, Denton Park, West Quay, Gibbon Road. Northdown Road, Second Avenue and Brighton Road with the roads within that boundary included.

The ban means police have powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone drinking in those areas. Failing to comply can lead to arrest and a fine.

The police have said they will exercise their powers with discretion and will focus their attention on alcohol consumption likely to cause anti-social behaviour.

They are likely to target people who are drinking in areas designated by the ban and who are causing disorder or annoyance to members of the public.

The full area of the ban is as follows:

Lewes Road Rec, Lewes Road, the town centre including the ring road, the A259 across the swing bridge to the railway flyover, West Quay, the marina access road to West Quay, Fort Road to the beach, the Fort Road rec, Gibbon Road to Northdown Road to Second Avenue to Church Hill, Newfield Road, Brighton Road to the junction with Newfield Road, Denton Park, and roads within the above boundaries.