The Local Authorities (Alcohol Disorder Zones) Regulations 2008

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations implement Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. They allow local authorities to designate localities as alcohol disorder zones where there has been a nuisance or annoyance to members of the public, or disorder, and where the nuisance, annoyance or disorder is associated with the consumption of alcohol supplied at premises in that locality and where there is likely be a repetition of that nuisance, annoyance or disorder.

Part 1, regulations 1 to 3, sets out citation and commencement and contains definitions used in the Regulations.

Part 2, regulations 4 to 6, sets out provisions on proposal and consultation where a local authority is considering the designation of an alcohol disorder zone.

Part 3, regulations 7 and 8, sets out provisions on the action plan that must be made before a locality is designated as an alcohol disorder zone.

Part 4, regulations 9 to 21, sets out the procedure for the designation of an alcohol disorder zone and for the imposition of charges. Regulation 11 prescribes the use to which charges paid to a local authority can be put. Regulations 12 and 13 set out exemptions and discounts to the charges. Regulations 14, 15 and 16 describe the method of computing the charges to be levied and how those charges should be allocated. Regulation 17 requires the local authority to issue each licence holder in an alcohol disorder zone with a statement of charge. Regulation 18 provides for collection of charges and Regulation 19 sets out what is to happen if charges are not paid on time. Regulation 20 provides that premises licences may be suspended for non payment of an alcohol disorder zone charge. Regulation 21 provides for payment to the chief officer of police and to the British Transport Police Authority.

Part 5, regulations 22 and 23, provides for review of alcohol disorder zones.

Part 6, regulations 24 to 26, contains miscellaneous provisions regarding notification to the Secretary of State and amendments to Local Authorities regulations which mean that the power to designate or revoke an alcohol disorder zone is not a function that can be delegated to a local authority’s executive.

A full regulatory impact assessment of the effect that alcohol disorder zones will have on the costs of business is available on the Home Office Website at:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/ria-violent-crime-bill-cov-0605/ria-violent-crime-bill-12-0605?view=Binary