July 23, 2005
Alcohol ban proposed for Burnham-On-Sea Beach

Burnham's beach could soon be added to the list of areas in the town where drinking alcohol in public is banned.

Several Designated Drinking Orders came into force in parts of Burnham and Highbridge in June as part of a bid to stamp out anti-social drinking in known trouble spots.

Police have the power to ask for alcohol to be handed over if people are deemed to be causing trouble. If they refuse, they can be arrested and face a fine of up to £500.

The orders are in operation at Winchester Road playing fields, the Manor Gardens, Rosewood Park playing fields in Burnham, the Jubilee Gardens, Southwell Gardens and Apex Park.

But a proposed second list of locations has been drawn up and Sedgemoor District Council is asking for the opinions of residents about whether they should be introduced.

In Burnham, the suggested areas are the beach, including under the pavillion, The Esplanade, High Street, Pier Street, Abingdon Street, Marine Drive, Victoria Street, Oxford Street, Manor Road, Regent Street, College Street, Adam Street, Cross Street, Technical Street, South Terrace and Marine Cove.

Several proposed areas are also listed for Highbridge, including the Bank Street car park, railway station and Market Street.

And in Brean, the proposed areas are Church Road, Warren Road, Brean Beach, South Road, Brean Leisure Park and adjacent car parks.

It should be noted that although it is not an offence to drink in these areas, it is an offence not to follow police orders and hand over alcohol if requested to do so.

Residents wishing to air their views should send comments to Sedgemoor District Council at Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR by August 12th.

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