Leeds offers drunk and disorderly a choice between a fine or alcohol education programme

People who are arrested in Leeds for alcohol related disorder offences and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice for Disorder could have their fine waived if they attend an alcohol education programme.

The new initiative will be launched on Wednesday 20 May.

Media Opportunity
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2009
Time: 10am
Place: Millennium Square, Leeds
Councillor Les Carter, chair of Safer Leeds, and Keith Lawrance, Safer Leeds alcohol and violent crime lead officer, pose with a giant-sized Fixed Penalty Notice for alcohol-related disorder.

The new scheme is a joint initiative from West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council, working through Safer Leeds, the city’s crime and disorder reduction partnership. It aims to tackle alcohol related disorder in Leeds city centre. The scheme is funded through the EU.

As well as the alcohol education programme, a police or council enforcement officer will speak with the individual about their behaviour, and agree an Acceptable Behaviour Contract for the future.

If the person is arrested again for alcohol related disorder a formal Anti Social Behaviour Warning will be given and the police or council may apply for an Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Terms of such orders could include prohibiting the person from coming into the Leeds City Centre on certain days between certain times.

Councillor Les Carter, executive board member responsible for community safety, and chair of Safer Leeds said:
“This excellent new scheme will give people who have committed offences while drunk a chance to change their ways and avoid a criminal record.

“If they don’t make the most of the opportunity and continue to offend, the police will take swift and appropriate action to encourage them to change their ways.”

The new initiative is part of a package of measures to encourage responsible drinking and offer treatment opportunities for people who want to change their drinking behaviour. It is being delivered with the support of a range of organisations in the voluntary sector, NHS and probation service.

Notes:
• Safer Leeds is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) dedicated to tacking drugs and crime in the city. It is a partnership organisation between a number of local agencies including Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, NHS Leeds, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and West Yorkshire Police Authority.

/ENDS
[18 May 2009]

For further information contact:
John Donegan
(0113) 247 4450 (mon-wed am) (0113) 395 1510 (wed pm-fri)
john.donegan@leeds.gov.uk