Thursday 09 September 2021
The Committee for Home Affairs has agreed to designate Church Square in St Peter Port as an alcohol-free zone.
The decision was taken in order to prevent nuisance or annoyance to the public, following several reports of general disorder in the area.
St Peter Port Constables, Representatives from the Town Church, Home Affairs Officers, Health Officers, and Guernsey Police were all involved in the process ahead of the final decision from the Committee.
The alcohol-free zone will come into effect today, on Thursday 9th September. It will extend through Church Square to the streets and lanes immediately surrounding it, including Quay Street, Market Hill, the steps leading to the Commercial Arcade, and Cow Lane.
The Order will not apply to events and activities organised by Town Church.
Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee forHome Affairs, said:
"The Committee has made this decision following a number of concerning reports regarding anti-social behaviour taking place in Town Church Square. However, the Committee is also aware that this alcohol-free zone order is not going to solve the issue in its entirety - colleagues will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to see what else can be done and to try and arrange for proper support to be put in place where it would help. We have also made direct contact with the Committee forHealth & Social Care to ensure we are working in a joined-up way when offering that support. In the meantime, it is hoped that this order will help protect the public from some of the worse examples of anti-social behaviour that have been reported in the area."
The Committee also wished to express its thanks to the St Peter Port Constables for working with Law Enforcement to tackle the issue properly.
Zoe Lihou, St Peter Port Constable, said:
"I am delighted that action is finally being taken to ensure a more welcoming environment at one of the main gateways to the heart of our Town. We approached the Committeefor Home Affairs and Law Enforcement for assistance with tackling the issues of anti-social behaviour experienced around the Town Church area, in which alcohol was a contributing factor. There is more work to be done in tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour. I look forward to continuing this positive and effective working relationship with Home Affairs and Law Enforcement. Having highlighted this issue and sparked much debate, I now hope other areas of the States responsible for the health and social aspect of behavioural issues act as effectively as Deputy Prow's Committee in making it happen."
