Public drinking could be banned in Croydon town centre if proposed plans are accepted.

The London Borough of Croydon's Licensing Committee met on April 29 (Tuesday) to consider drinking controls after a survey of residents showed there was major public safety concerns about crime and disorder in the area. The plan will allow the police to issue fixed penalty notices of £40 for those who refuse to comply with the measures.

However, human rights organisation, Liberty, are concerned that banning street drinking, and fining those who do not comply might be an overly extreme measure.

A spokesperson for Liberty said: "If people are causing trouble then they can be arrested for drunk and disorderly, but it seems a little excessive to fine someone for being outside a pub enjoying the sun with a shandy."

The police have reported a nine per cent increase in incidents of disorder, and a 19 per cent increase in assaults in the period of April 2002 to November 2002 compared with the same period in 2001.

The area outside of the Whitgift Centre from North End, and areas around the High Street, Wellesley Road and George Street have been highlighted as places of particular concern.

Since the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 came into force, police in Croydon have had the power to issue fixed penalty notices in a measure against anti-social behaviour.

Between August 2002 and March 2003, the police have issued 201 fixed penalty notices. Of these, 138 notices were issued with a fine of £40 to people for being drunk and disorderly.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "The fixed penalty notices allow us to deal with anti-social behaviour in a much firmer but fair way. Only 2% of people have chosen to go to court rather then take the fine.

"For people opposed the fixed penalty notices I would ask them if they would rather have to deal with distressing and harassing behaviour then have the police issuing fines in a firm but fair manner."

April 30, 2003 12:30