Aylesbury Vale District Council plans to bring in two new Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs) to cover the whole of Winslow and Steeple Claydon, and is asking local people for their views.

DPPOs give police the authority to ask people to stop drinking alcohol in public if they believe it is creating a disorder. Anyone who refuses can be arrested and could face a fine of up to £500 – as well as their alcohol being taken away and disposed of.

The powers only apply to public places, and do not affect private property or seating areas outside pubs which have permission for people to drink alcohol bought on the premises.

Cllr Judy Brandis, chairman of AVDC's licensing committee, said: "This is a very positive and constructive move towards reducing crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the areas involved. It's not about stopping law-abiding people enjoying a quiet drink, but if police officers and PCSOs believe that someone drinking in public is creating disorder, they can take action.

"We want to reassure residents that the council is listening and is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in order to make communities across Aylesbury Vale safer places to live."

Police commander for Aylesbury Vale local police area, Supt Richard Auger, said: "This will have a zero effect on the law abiding people of the Vale and it is on their behalf that we are pursuing these tactics."
The consultation ends on Wednesday, September 24.

Maps of the proposed alcohol control zones will be available at the website www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/consultation and in the council's offices.

Residents can respond by emailing dppo@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or by writing to David Smedley, Head of Environment Services, 66 High Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1SD.