§ 5. Mr. DevlinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the experimental ban on drinking in public places.
§ Mr. John PattenThe results of the byelaw which prohibits the consumption of alcohol in designated areas 727W have been carefully monitored by the Home Office and the local authorities concerned. I am now satisfied that a byelaw of this kind can contribute to a reduction in the unpleasantness all too often associated with drinking. The effectiveness of the byelaw has been demonstrated sufficiently for it to be made generally available subject to applicant authorities satisfying themselves as to a local need and police capacity to enforce it.
§ 16. Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of drunkenness on the streets.
§ Mr. John PattenIn addition to existing legislation, my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary recently announced the general availability of the byelaw prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in certain public places to those local authorities that wish to adopt it. The byelaw is currently in operation on an experimental basis in seven selected areas and has shown that it can effectively control the nuisance of public drunkenness without becoming unduly oppressive. We are also fully supportive of the alcohol and crime demonstration projects that have been established in a number of areas.