Courts get 'booze Asbo' powers 31st August 2009 Drinkers could be banned from pubs or off-licences for up to two years People in England and Wales who commit crimes or behave anti-socially while drunk could now face a Drinking Banning Order - or "booze Asbo". Under powers coming into force on Monday, police and councils can seek an order on anyone aged 16 and over. Magistrates can then ban them from pubs, bars, off-licences and certain areas for up to two years. Anyone who breaches the order faces a £2,500 fine. alcoHELP and other alcohol charities said the orders could work as part of a number of measures. Home Office minister Alan Campbell said crime and disorder linked to alcohol cost the UK billions of pounds every year. "These orders will stop those people who are well known to the authorities, licensees and often the communities where they live, from ruining lives - and will make them face up to their destructive behaviour," he added. Jeremy Beadles, the chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association which represents companies in the industry, welcomed the move. Policing of alcohol-related crime must go hand in hand with more robust measures to curb irresponsible sales Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern chief executive. "Tough enforcement against offenders is critical if we are to change the culture around problem drinking," he said. Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, gave the orders a more cautious welcome. "Used as part of a package of measures to reduce alcohol harms, these initiatives can make a real difference to safety on our streets," he said. "Policing of alcohol-related crime must go hand in hand with more robust measures to curb irresponsible and illegal sales and improved treatment pathways for dependent drinkers." Some offenders may be referred to a course to address their drinking, and if successfully completed, could see the length of the order reduced. The participant, not the government, is expected to cover the costs of the Positive Behaviour Intervention Courses, from £120 to £250. Alcohol Concern called for the courses to be made available to everyone served with a Drinking Banning Order. In Scotland, Asbos can be used to prohibit people from drinking in the streets - the first such orders were imposed on four people in Dumfries in 2006. Home