Peter Forshaw weighs up alcohol disorder zones

Feb 19 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE realisation of Alcohol Disorder Zones (ADZ) accelerated last month, when the revised legislation to combat alcohol-related problems was laid before Parliament.

Under the proposals, councils have the power to designate a particular area as an ADZ if there has been a nuisance or disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol supplied at premises in that area.

Consequently, all licensees within the ADZ – including, potentially, supermarkets and off- licences – will be liable to contribute to the cost of managing the disorder.

The impact for the licensing trade will not just be financial. Councils will suspend licences for failure to pay, which could mean complete loss of livelihood.

The designation of an ADZ highlights problem areas, leading to the attraction of trouble-makers, rising insurance and falling property prices.

To avoid an ADZ being imposed, everyone in the region concerned with the retail of alcohol must work together to introduce measures such as effective crowd dispersal policies and reporting rogue traders.

Other measures include membership of accredited schemes such as the BBN award, which make an ADZ designation less likely, and the holders eligible for a discount of up to 90% on any levy.

PETER FORSHAW is partner and head of leisure at Weightmans.