Police in Leicester are cracking down on alcohol-related disorder in a bid to ensure that people can enjoy a night out in the run up to Christmas.
Officers policing the city centre throughout December will take a no tolerance approach to revellers who are caught causing trouble.
Anyone who is over the age of 16 who officers believe may cause or contribute to alcohol-related crime or disorder will be issued with a Section 27 Dispersal Notice under the Violent Crime Reduction Act. That person will then be required to leave the city centre immediately and not return for a period of up to 48 hours. If they do not agree to this condition then they will be arrested.
Inspector Jason Ross, Commander of the City Centre Local Policing Unit, said: “During the Christmas period we expect there to be an influx of people out in Leicester’s pubs and clubs celebrating the festivities. What we want to do is make sure that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and to keep disorder to a minimum.
“We routinely use the Dispersal Notice to prevent alcohol-related incidents getting out of hand. So far this year 1,115 notices have been issued. With such a large number of people in the city during December it’s important that we deal with those causing trouble as soon as possible and take them away from those enjoying their night out.
“Drinking is very much a part of the social scene, particularly around Christmas time, and we do not want to dampen the festive spirit. Hopefully everyone in Leicester will be responsible and will be able to enjoy their Christmas and New Year safely; those who don’t will have to face the consequences.”
Police will continue with their commitment in reducing the number of alcohol related incidents throughout the festive period as part of Christmas alcohol campaign. The use of Dispersal Notices throughout December is supported by the Government funded project TKAP**. The project focuses on serious youth violence in Leicester among 13 to 24 year olds and Leicester city centre is one of 52 areas taking part across the country.
Issued on 03/12/10 at 15:42
