IPSWICH has moved a step closer to becoming a booze-free town after letters were sent out to pubs, parishes and neighbouring authorities to gauge reaction to the proposed move.

IPSWICH has moved a step closer to becoming a booze-free town after letters were sent out to pubs, parishes and neighbouring authorities to gauge reaction to the proposed move.

The letter, which is being sent out by Ipswich Borough Council this week, are part of a public consultation that must be completed before a booze ban can be given the go-ahead.

As part of plans to crack down on alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour, council bosses are keen to introduce a designated public places order (DPPO) across the borough.

The move would give police powers to fine or even arrest people who continue drinking booze once asked to stop.

The consultation letter being distributed reads: “If approved, the order will apply to all public places within the Borough.

“In such a place, failure to comply with an officer's request to stop drinking, or to surrender the alcohol, without reasonable excuse, would be an offence punishable by a fixed penalty notice, or arrest and possible fine of up to £500.”

As well as being distributed to licenced premises, bordering parishes and district councils, the letter will also be handed out to area forums, and the Ipswich and District Council for Voluntary Service (ICVS) and Ipswich Central to distribute the letter and raise awareness amongst their members.

Subject to being given the thumbs up by police, businesses and members of the public, an alcohol ban could be put in place as early as September.

Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, Liz Harsant, said: “I feel sure we will get some good feedback mainly because abuse of alcohol especially on Friday and Saturday nights is quite difficult for the borough and the police to handle.

“I think the feedback is going to be very useful as to how we take this forward.

“Generally speaking, I think something has to be done because it is quite a worry for people when they are walking through the town and they are faced with street drinkers who are shouting, being abusive and looking threatening even if they are not.

“The situation is particularly bad for mothers and the elderly.

“I can't see that anyone would criticise what we are trying to achieve.”

Do you back the plans to make Ipswich drink-free? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.