An order that allows officers to confiscate alcohol from nuisance drinkers in Bolton is set to end, and the public can have their say on whether it should be extended.
The borough-wide order was introduced in 2012, granting Greater Manchester Police, or any authorised officer, the power to challenge alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour.
Anyone drinking in a public place can be ordered to stop, have their alcohol confiscated if they refuse, and be fined if they fail to comply. It does not apply to pubs or other licensed premises.
The direction, now known as a public spaces protection order (PSPO), must be reviewed every three years with residents given a say on whether it should continue.
Consultation on a potential extension is now open and respondents will have until Friday, September 11 to share their views.
Responses to the consultation will determine whether the order should continue or come to an end on October 20.
Residents can visit the council website to take part.
Everyone in Bolton has the right to enjoy our public spaces without fear of anti-social drinking or disruptive behaviour.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Regulatory Services, Cllr Hilary Fairclough:
“Everyone in Bolton has the right to enjoy our public spaces without fear of anti-social drinking or disruptive behaviour.
“We want to hear the views of Bolton residents about how the additional PSPO powers have been used and whether they should remain in place.”
Executive Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Nadim Muslim, said:
“This order gives our partners in the police, and other authorised officers, the power to deal with this issue directly and proportionately.
“Quite rightly, these orders cannot continue without clear public support, so we want as many people as possible to take part in this consultation.”
The alcohol consumption PSPO is separate to the order introduced last year which prohibits a variety anti-social activities and unsafe behaviour in Bolton town centre.