Bitter over a drink ban on town streets

The new restrictions on consumption of alcohol were formally approved by Wychavon District Council and came into effect from September 1.

The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 gives local authorities the power to order a ban on alcohol in designated public places.

The Evesham streets involved many in the town centre with the exceptions of St Lawrence's Church and churchyard and a private sports club.

Evesham town councillors were split over the new laws enforced by Wychavon District council for drinking regulations in the town.

At a meeting this week, Cllr Roma Kirke believed the issue of banning drinking on the streets of Evesham needed to be extended to residential areas of the town.

"If you live in a residential area you have no protection under this ban. I can't understand why they cannot look at this from a different angle. Residential areas like Avon Street and Briar Close should have some sort of protection."

Evesham town councillor John Smith saw the new ban as an impingement on civil liberties and believed the ban would mean residents would not be able to have a drink in their own front gardens.

Cllr Smith said: "This ban means people cannot have a drink in their own front gardens not only that it impinges on peoples liberties.

"If we have a street party this means we can't have a drink. Do we want to bring something in that could affect the whole of Evesham if we were to hold a street party?"

Cllr Kirke proposed a letter be written to the district council asking for the ban to be extended to residential areas.

"I feel very strongly about this areas are changing. We will have considerable problems here as long as such pubs and clubs generate problems. Why should we have to live with it on our doorstep? I think it's wrong."

Members voted on the issue and, with many voted against, they decided to merely note the order.

The 2001 Act gives police the power to arrest anyone flouting the ban and refusing to stop. The offender could then be fined.