City plan for police powers to confiscate alcohol

Norwich residents and businesses have been invited to share their views in a public consultation which ends on 21 May

Police could get additional powers to confiscate alcohol in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour, a city council is proposing.

Norwich City Council wants to see changes to the 2021 Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to reduce disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

The changes would mean police officers would have the power to remove alcohol from individuals and dispose of it - with anyone in breach facing a fixed penalty notice.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: "The proposed extended coverage of the PSPO is designed to help to tackle the problem and keep Norwich a safe and friendly place to live, work and visit."

A PSPO can be used by a council and partner agencies to deal with public space issues under the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Crime and Policing Act 2014.

'Unsafe'

The council spokesperson added: "Anti-social behaviour related to alcohol consumption in public places can make our city and neighbourhoods feel unsafe for residents, workers and visitors.

"This citywide consultation invites people to not only provide feedback on our proposals but to ask questions and highlight their own experience with any of the issues involved.

"This feedback will be taken into consideration."

The public consultation into the plans continues until 21 May.