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See other news storiesNew powers for police to stop drunken louts
23 August 2007
Police have been given new powers to stop troublemakers.
Police now have the legal right to ban people who cause problems from areas such as town centres or village greens for up to 48 hours.
The new 'direction to leave' power is another weapon in the police arsenal for dealing with low-level crime such as anti-social behaviour. Combined with other powers - including anti-social behaviour orders and acceptable behaviour contracts - it will help fight binge drinking and discourage violent, alcohol-fuelled activity.
Practical advice and guidance is being sent to all police forces to explain the circumstances under which direction to leave orders would be appropriate, and to give clear information on the procedures for issuing such orders.
Stopping problem drinkers
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said the new power fits in well with the government's new alcohol strategy, which calls for challenging unacceptable drinking behaviour.
'It allows officers to deal with, and diffuse, a situation immediately out on the streets before it reaches offending levels or the courts,' Mr McNulty said.
He said powers like these are 'crucial if we are to reduce the harm that alcohol causes to individuals, families and communities.'
