On street drinking ban starts on bank holiday

Date published: 29/04/2005

A ban on on-street drinking throughout much of Rochdale borough comes in to force from Monday 2 May.The order prohibits anyone from drinking alcohol in a 'public place' across a specified area. A public place is defined as 'any place to which the public have access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission.'

Anyone found drinking alcoholic drinks in the designated area by a Police Officer or a Community Support Officer will have to give the drink to the officer for disposal. If they fail to do so without a reasonable excuse, this could see them arrested, and facing a fine of up to £500. The only exemptions are licensed premises or registered clubs, or places with a temporary permission. Some rural areas of the borough, in Norden, Bamford, Littleborough, Milnrow and Newhey, Castleton, and Middleton are not covered by the order. This exemption means that people enjoying a drink with a picnic, for instance, would not fall foul of the ban.

The order supercedes the three town centre bans. Each of the town centre areas of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are covered under the new ban. A large plan showing the detailed areas may be inspected at the Community Safety Unit, Rochdale Town Hall during normal office hours during the next four weeks.