§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 with regard to the powers of the police to confiscate alcohol in sealed containers. [72099]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 provides the police with new powers to confiscate alcohol from persons who are drinking in areas that have been designated by the relevant local authority under section 13 of the Act. The Act also amended existing powers to confiscate alcohol from under-age drinkers in public places. In both instances it is now clear that the police can confiscate alcohol in containers that have been opened, hut not alcohol in sealed containers.
We have discussed the current position with the Association of Chief Police Officers and we have asked them for advice on whether a further change in the law would be helpful, to clarify or strengthen police powers to confiscate alcohol, including alcohol in sealed containers, from under-age drinkers or from persons who are drinking 75W and causing nuisance in designated areas. We shall seek to introduce any change in the law as soon as Parliamentary time allows.