Fining the drinkers in Hastings is no solution to the problem

Street drinking is an increasing issue in both Eastbourne and Hastings. In December, police in Eastbourne increased their patrols to tackle street drinking and associated antisocial behaviour in the town centre. In Hastings, there is a problem with street drinking in the London Road area of St Leonards.

It is one thing to talk tough but alternatives must be provided. I have no issue with enforcement against antisocial behaviour but many of the people drinking on the streets have an addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Hand-in-hand with enforcement must be the offer of effective treatment so that those with the problem, and causing problems for others, have a realistic alternative to drinking.

For several years I have been calling for residential rehabilitation services in East Sussex where local people can receive treatment for their addiction and gain recovery in the community within which they will live in the future.

Merely fining someone up to £1,000 for a breach of a Public Space Protection Order will not resolve the problem.

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