RESIDENTS in Highbury and Holloway are to be asked if they want tougher rules on drinking in the streets around Emirates Stadium.
Since the 60,000-capacity stadium opened in 2006, there has been a rise in people drinking in surrounding streets before and after games.
Despite help from responsible landlords, drinkers are spilling onto streets in some areas and also buying alcohol from off-licences and drinking it outside, causing anti-social behaviour and nuisance for local people.
Now, in response to concerns from residents, Islington Council is about to consult with people living around the stadium about whether they want the area to become a Controlled Drinking Zone on match days and during events, such as concerts.
This would give police the power to take alcohol away from unruly drinkers outside the stadium on those occasions.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said: "We don’t want to be killjoys. But residents are understandably upset that their peace and quiet is disturbed on match and event days. The council has listened and is now asking if restrictions on drinking outside is the way forward.
"The opening of the Emirates means more premises offer before- and after-match food and drink. With 20,000 extra spectators, capacity issues have been created at popular pubs and there has been an increase in numbers of people drinking outside.
"The police and licensing team feel a Controlled Drinking Zone should be put in place to manage street drinking on all event days. So we are now asking people’s views."
Chief Inspector Jane Johnson, Community and Partnership, Islington Police said:
"We have listened to the concerns of residents about the number of people drinking in the streets on match and event days. To manage this we are now proposing that a Controlled Drinking Zone be put in place and would like to hear their views on this. Islington is a forward thinking borough and we have already used this legislation many times to manage drug and alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour."
The proposed Controlled Drinking Zone (CDZ) would include the existing road closure area, Holloway Road, and some side streets.
Refusal to hand over alcohol to police if requested would result in a £40 Fixed Penalty Notice, and ultimately arrest and a fine of up to £500.
Consultation will begin in March. If backed by residents, the plans will go to the council's Audit Committee and then to Council for approval.
To comment on the proposals, contact licensing@islington.gov.uk between 1 March and 31 March 2009 or see the council’s website www.islington.gov.uk/consultation during the same dates.
Page Last Updated: 12 June 2009