Police to close pubs to halt Facebook party
Police are set to use unprecedented powers to stop every shop and pub in a town selling alcohol - in a bid to halt an illegal beach party organised on Facebook.
Officers in Torbay, Devon, say around 10,000 people are expected to gather at one of five possible beaches for the mass party at the weekend.
The event has been advertised on social networking website Facebook with organisers hailing it as "the biggest ever beach party" with alcohol, loud music and barbecues.
An exact location and time will not be posted until hours beforehand and police, fearing a health and safety risk, are desperate to stop it taking place.
Officers claim the mass beach party will be held next to one of five beaches - in Torquay, Paignton, Preston, Goodrington or Broadsands.
They are now set to use powers under the Licensing Act 2003 to introduce an emergency blanket ban on the sale of any alcohol in the five areas.
Police say as soon as they know the location every retailer and pub in a specified area will be banned from selling booze until the party is cleared.
Any ban will annihilate trade which is already strugglingBrian HarrisYacht pub, Torquay
Superintendent Chris Singer said: ''The event is likely to cause disruption and difficulty for our community. The supply and consumption of alcohol would add to those difficulties.
''It may therefore be necessary for me to apply to magistrates to instigate the provisions of Section 160 of the Licensing Act 2003.
''I fully understand making the order would be an unprecedented step, and one which would not be taken unless fully justified.''
So far over 4,000 youngsters have confirmed their attendance and police say the number is likely to rocket to 10,000 before it takes place between July 3 and 5.
But licensees in the area said that banning alcohol on one of the busiest weekends of the year would be "catastrophic" for retailers.
Brian Harris, who runs The Yacht pub in Torquay, said: ''Any ban will annihilate trade which is already struggling.''
Is this move by police too draconian? Let us know your thoughts by hitting Post a Comment below.
