In an attempt to 'crack down' on 'anti-social behaviour' the Council is proposing to introduce a new law that bans drinking alcohol in a public place in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

It gives the police power to confiscate anything which they beleive to contain alcohol. The police can then dispose of this in "such a manner that [they] consider to be appropriate." (!)

It also gives police the power of arrest if the person concerned is, amongst other things "suffering physical injury"!

The law is clearly a politically motivated attempt by the Council to be seen to be targeting 'homeless people', as all powers contained within the byelaw already exist (Section 51 Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, Section 5 Public Order act 1986, Licensing Act 2003)


The council are inviting comments on the proposed byelaw before it is introduced.

You can read the text of the new byelaw and comment upon it here:  http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/councillors/byelawnotice.htm