THE on-street drinking ban in Fleetwood brought in nearly two weeks ago will make a difference, say police.
The new regulations, which were brought into force in time for Fleetwood Transport Festival on Sunday, have been backed up by the erection of prohibition signs by Wyre Council.
Bans in the centres of Cleveleys and Poulton will begin later.
Alth
ough officers say there won't be a heavy crackdown immediately under the Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs), PC Jason Wainwright says the ban will help tackle anti-social drinking and related problems.
He said: "The ban is now in place and will help create a more peaceful environment for local people.
"The idea is to advise people of the rules and hope they abide by them."
The ban will cover the whole of Fleetwood town centre, the Flakefleet and West View estates and an area in and around the Memorial Park. Under the bans the police can confiscate drink.
It is not an offence to consume alcohol within a designated area, but a failure to comply with requests to stop drinking and surrender alcohol without reasonable excuse is an offence
A police spokesman said: "DPPOs are available in areas that have experienced alcohol-related anti-social behaviour problems.
"Police officers and Police Community Support Officers now have the power to control the consumption of alcohol within these areas under their discretion.
"They are able to stop and confiscate alcohol if they believe someone is, has or intends to drink in these public places.
"Failing to comply with an officer's requirement in respect of this order is an arrestable offence and can lead to a £50 fixed penalty notice."
The full article contains 285 words and appears in Fleetwood Weekly News newspaper.
