Street drinkers

Though not defined in a UK national policy context, Street Drinkers may be broadly categorised as those who habitually drink in public places, typically with a chronic alcohol dependence and often a number of other problems such as mental or physical health issues or other drug problems. Contrary to public perception, the majority of street drinkers are housed, though are likely to have a history of homelessness. The ethnic and age profile of street drinkers may vary considerably dependent on geography. Street drinkers are often contentious issues within communities; some highlight street drinkers’ vulnerability and right to use public places, others object definitively mainly citing reasons of repeated ASB of littering, urination and noise disturbances.

In 2001 the Criminal Justice and Police Act allowed councils to implement Designated Public Place Orders in order to address Anti-Social Behaviour caused by Street Drinkers.

External links

* [http://www.alcoholpolicy.net Council Alcohol Policy]