Public consultation has begun this week in relation to banning alcohol consumption in designated public places in Tenby town centre. In the interests of preventing crime and disorder associated with the irresponsible consumption of alcohol, Pembrokeshire County Council is currently considering an application to make a Designation of Public Places Order under Section 13(2) of the said act which could make it an offence to drink alcohol in all public places within an identified area in Tenby town when requested not to do so by a police officer. "The effects of introducing an order would be where the consumption of alcohol was leading to disorder or nuisance, a police officer could order a person to cease drinking and confiscate any open containers of alcohol," said Inspector Mark McSweeney, of Tenby Police Station. He continued: "An arrestable offence would be committed if a person refused to stop drinking or surrender any alcohol or alcohol containers when requested to by a police officer." The order proposes to include the majority of the town centre, including the old walled town area, the harbour, The Norton, White Lion Street, Warren Street and the train station. Added Temporary Chief Inspector Ross Evans: "This order is intended to provide the local police improved powers to deal more effectively with anti-social street drinkers. "For example, officers would have the powers to confiscate any alcohol containers found on persons. Fines can be imposed where individuals fail to co-operate with police officers. "These powers are designed for use to target those drinking and behaving in an anti-social manner in the street. "Violent crime reduction is one of the main priorities for the local authority and police. Keeping local people and visitors safe is very important. Last year, during the summer in particular, violent crime and anti-social behaviour was reduced in Tenby town. You may have read or heard about Operation Lion and the other methods that the local police have adopted to tackle violence locally. These new powers will not change the way we police Tenby significantly, but will provide an additional tool to help us make improvements on how we tackle violent crime. "Tenby is a fantastic town which is home to many of you and visited by many more thousands of people each year. These powers will help officers to reinforce that Tenby is a safe place to live, work and visit. "We feel strongly that the views of local residents, business owners and those who work within the town centre are vital in how we take this forward. "We suggest that any positive message to discourage potential troublemakers would be helpful. We would like to reassure residents that this is a discretionary power and that only those drinkers behaving or likely to behave in an anti-social manner are most likely be targeted. Therefore, certain local traditions would be protected through officers having the ability to use their discretion where appropriate." Further details, including a map of the proposed designated area can be found online at http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk and at Tenby Police Station, Warren Street, Tenby, SA70 7JS. "Your views on this application would be welcome," concluded Inspector McSweeney. If you have any views or would wish to make representations on the application, you may do by email to [email protected]">[email protected] or in writing at the following address before Friday, September 5: Inspector Mark McSweeney, Tenby Police Station, Warren Street, Tenby, SA70 7JS.