Police in Kingston have been given extra powers to stop drunken revellers in Kingston town centre consuming more alcohol.
Kingston Council has agreed to put a designated public places order (DPPO) in the town centre following a public consultation which showed strong support for the scheme.
The order makes it an offence for people to continue drinking in the town centre after being told to stop by a police officer.
It does not prevent people drinking alcohol responsibly.
Councillors on the Kingston town neighbourhood committee were sceptical that the order, which stretches from the top of Canbury Gardens down to South Lane and across to Tiffin Boys’ School, would match residents’ expectations.
Both coun David Cunningham and coun Chrissie Hitchcock said the area may be too large for police to effectively patrol, especially when officers were concentrated in the town centre.
Officers said the scope of the order could be reviewed after a period of time.
The new scheme will cost £10,000 to implement, for the erection and maintenance of signage.
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