Church Square made an alcohol-free zone

It came into effect yesterday and aims to prevent nuisance or public annoyance following several reports of disorder in the area.

St Peter Port constables, Town Church representatives, Home Affairs officers, health staff and Guernsey Police were all involved in the process, ahead of the final decision from the committee.

The zone extends 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 organised by the Town Church.

Home Affairs president Rob Prow said the move followed a number of worrying reports regarding anti-social behaviour taking place in Church Square.

‘However, the committee is also aware that this alcohol-free zone order is not going to solve the issue in its entirety,’ he said.

‘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 for Health & 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.’

St Peter Port constable Zoe Lihou said the move would make the area more welcoming. ‘There is more work to be done in tackling all forms of anti-social behaviour,’ she said.

‘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.’

A Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said that they hoped the measure would reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

‘We would also encourage members of the public to report such behaviour if they see it occurring anywhere.’