ON Monday 14th January a Designated Public Places Order was granted by Hackney Council’s Community Safety Team. This will be enforced by Hackney Police; its aim is to combat public drinking and anti-social behaviour in Dalston. The order is intended to reduce the incidence of alcohol related disorder and public nuisance arising from alcohol consumption and greatly improves the environment, quality of life and safety of the local community.

Historically, nuisance caused by public drinking has been a problem in an around the Gillett Square area, with groups of street drinkers and their associated rowdy behaviour intimidating people and stopping them from using public spaces.

The controlled drinking zone covers part of Kingsland Road, The Crossway and Ridley Road.

The order allows a police officer or Police Community Support Officer to require a person to stop drinking alcohol in the area and confiscate and dispose it. Failure to comply with the officer's direction is an offence, which could lead to an arrest.

Alternatively a £50.00 Penalty notice can also be issued.

Inspector Jonathan Clinch from the Community Safety Team said: "This is an excellent result and means that residents around Dalston will benefit from the reduction in anti-social behaviour that this order will bring. Together with the Council and local businesses, we are making a concentrated effort to reduce crime and disorder and ensure that people feel safe in Dalston."