STRONGER police powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour related to drinking in Okehampton could be on the cards.

The first step in establishing an Alcohol Designation Order (ADO) for the town takes place next month at a special consultation event in the town council chamber.

Attending will be councillors, representatives of the licensing trade, the chamber of trade and landowners

They will give their views and ask questions at the event on Thursday, September 10. Presenting it will be West Devon Borough Council corporate director Lesley Halton, the borough's community safety officer Louisa Wall and police representatives.

The purpose of the event is to discuss the possibility of establishing an ADO for certain areas in Okehampton town centre.

An ADO, also sometimes known as a Designated Public Place Order, does not stop people drinking in a public place. But it gives the police, and police community support officers, the power to require people to stop drinking immediately if their drinking is causing inappropriate behaviour, and to confiscate their alcohol where necessary. Failure to stop drinking may lead to a fine of £500 or an arrest.

This power was introduced to help police deal with anti-social drinking problems in public areas, and does not prevent responsible alcohol consumption at events such as carnivals or festivals.

A report from the special consultation event will go to West Devon Borough Council and to Okehampton Town Council later in the month, and, if agreed, a public consultation on the issue will be held.

Similar orders have already been successfully introduced in Tavistock and Bere Alston.

If members of the public have any concerns at this stage in the process they are advised to contact their local town councillor and ask them to raise these concerns at the meeting on September 10.

For further information contact Louisa Wall, Community Safety Officer, on 01822 813720, or email [email protected]">[email protected]