Booze ban hits Lemington's streets

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th Sep 2007

Councillors Joanne Park and Lawrence Hunter welcome the new on-street booze ban for Lemington

After a long campaign by Coun Lawrence Hunter, an on-street booze ban has been introduced on Lemington's streets.

It now means police have the powers to crack down on underage drinking across Lemington.

The ward is now subject of an Alcohol Exclusion Zone, which came into force in August.

Under the terms of the tough ban it is an offence for anyone to drink or carry alcohol on the street within the zone.

Police can seize drink and pour it away or dispose of it later. Those who refuse to hand

over the drink face arrest.

After the zones were introduced in other parts of Newcastle, police have confiscated hundreds of cans and bottles from lawbreakers.

Lawrence, pictured left with ward colleague Joanne Park, took action after local people raised concerns.

He says: "Often alcohol is associated with anti-social behaviour and so by cracking down on on-street drinking, it should make Lemington's streets safer for everyone.

"I am pleased this ban is now in force."