Controversial ADZs given green light
Local authorities have been given the green light to impose controversial alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) after the Violent Crime Reduction Bill received Royal Assent.
Under the terms of an ADZ, venues in a designated area would be forced to pay a levy to clear up problems of alcohol-related disorder.
The plan has been almost universally condemned by trade bodies, councils and others for being impractical and giving areas a bad image.
Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers spokeswoman Kate Nicholls said the next challenge was to ensure operators' views are included in the final guidance that must be drawn up before councils can impose ADZs.
Initial guidance had already been drafted with the Wine & Spirit Trade Association. A Home Office spokeswoman said there is no current time-scale for creating the final guidance.
Nichols said she "would be very disappointed if ADZs began springing up everywhere".
"Since ADZs were first mooted, the trade has moved on," she said. "Retailers have, by and large, put their houses in order, stopping irresponsible drinks promotions and underage drinking."
The Bar Entertainment and Dance Association met Home Office officials yesterday to discuss details of ADZs.
"Everything we've been told officially is that they're a last resort," said BEDA executive director Paul Smith. "But I worry that if a local law enforcer wanted to make a name for himself, this could be something he'd consider."
New Powers
The new Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 gives police powers to demand summary reviews of premises licences in serious cases of crime or disorder and creates a new law of "persistently selling alcohol to children" - underage selling on three or more occasions within three consecutive months - which carries a fine of up to £10,000. New orders banning troublemakers can last for up to two years.
