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Merton residents could have say in anti-drinking laws

Summary:

Issues concerning whether the entire borough should become a Controlled Drinking Zone could be on the agenda.

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By Hannah Friend

Residents may have a say when it comes to whether anti-drinking areas are spread across Merton, the council decided last week.

Issues concerning whether the whole borough should become a Controlled Drinking Zone (CDZ) could also be on the agenda.

The licensing committee unanimously decided that the best way forward was to consult with the people of Merton on their views about having a borough-wide zone.

It will be decided by the full council at a meeting on Wednesday 21 November.

“Such a scheme, I believe, would greatly help the police with tackling anti social behaviour which is a direct consequence of street drinking,” said the Chair of the licensing committee, Councillor David Simpson.

This idea of the zone being implemented throughout the borough is hoped to save money and be simpler.

CDZs are already in place on certain roads in Wimbledon Town and Morden.

“Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London and we want to keep it that way,” said Councillor Edith Macauley, cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities.

She said that many residents are for having these zones throughout the borough to try and clamp down on drinking-related crimes.

The CDZs mean police community support officers, and those accredited through a community safety accreditation scheme, have powers to control the consumption of alcohol within that place.

They can also ask people to stop drinking alcohol or confiscate it. It is an offence to not comply with these officers and further action can be taken.

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