Consultation on drinking in Islington

Islington Council is considering new rules to counter excessive drinking in the borough. Proposals being put forward in a new public consultation include restricting the number of new licensed premises opening in

Clerkenwell, and limiting the number and opening hours of

off-licences across the borough.

Other options under consideration include making Islington a Controlled Drinking Zone, allowing police to confiscate alcohol from

nuisance drinkers. The consultation aims to reduce drinking-related antisocial behaviour in the borough.

Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council's executive member for environment,

said: "We're on the side of residents who are sick of the problems

caused by selfish anti-social drinkers. We want to toughen up Islington's policies so police and council officers can tackle the problems that alcohol causes."

Drinking is high on the news agenda this week. Mayor Boris Johnson has called for a trial of a scheme, pioneered in South Dakota, which would see people convicted of drink-related crimes tested for alcohol twice daily. Under the scheme, convicts who fail to remain sober face a court appearance and possible jail time.

Islington's draft licensing policy also includes tough rules on underage sales.

 For a first offence, off-licences would be fined and given a written

warning.  Any further offence would lead to a full review of their

licence. In serious cases a full review would happen after one offence.

Islington's licensing policy is reviewed every three years.  The new

policy will run from 2011-2014, and the draft can be downloaded here. The consultation is now open to residents and businesses and will run until 15 November.  A questionnaire can be completed at www.surveymonkey.com/s/YRSPTB8

For you would like more information or a paper copy of either the

questionnaire or the draft policy please contact the Licensing Service

on 020 7527 3031 or email: licensing@islington.gov.uk