Cheshire Police report a 32 percent decrease in Chester in the amount of violent crime reported so far this summer. This has been achieved by a robust but proportionate policing presence in the city centre in the evening and weekend when alcohol-fuelled violence is most common.
Police records reveal that rural north and the Northwich Partnership boundary experiences a disproportionate amount of alcohol related anti-social behaviour and nuisance behaviour compared to other areas in the Borough.
If it was created, the Responsible Drinking Zone would be enforced by Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers and Community Safety Wardens.
The boundaries for the Zone would be the same as the existing Area Partnership Board.
As part of the application process to adopt this power, the Council must consult with businesses, licensees, parish and community councils, residents and Police. Formal consultations will take place from 9 September until 14 October and you can take part in a number of ways:
1. Fill in the online form on this website
2. Visit the following locations to collect a consultation form: Northwich Library, Witton Street, Northwich, Moss Farm leisure Centre, Moss Lane, Northwich. Memorial Hall, Chester Way, Northwich. Information centre, 1 Market Arcade, Northwich
3. Write to Cheshire West and Chester Council at Community Safety Team, HQ, 58 Nicholas Street, Chester
4. Or call the Council on 01244 973941
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Community and Environment, said: “We believe that a Responsible Drinking Zone for the area will be good news for local people and good news for the night time economy in the town and surrounding areas.
“It would not be a criminal offence to drink outside in the designated area however it would be an offence to refuse to comply with a request from a uniformed officer to stop drinking.
“It is vital that as many local people, businesses and parish and community councils as possible take part in the public consultation to enable the Council to come to a decision on the proposal.
“Let us have your views and if it got the go-ahead, the Responsible Drinking Zone could be in place in November.”
Added Inspector Paul Loughlin from Cheshire Police: “If the Designated Public Place Order was adopted across the whole Northwich Partnership area, it could send out clear consistent messages that anti-social drinking is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Northwich.
“The order and partnership working, would, I believe assist in promoting Northwich as a place where residents, businesses and visitors can feel safe and enjoy their time spent within the area without fear of alcohol – fuelled anti social behaviour.”