Call for alcohol ban outside school
A school governor has called for a ban on parents drinking alcohol while waiting to pick up their children outside school.
Arthur Mitchell, chairman of Doncaster Road Primary School’s board of governors in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said a street drinking ban had been proposed after police received reports that parents had been seen drinking at the school’s gates.
Mr Mitchell, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, said there has been a long-term problem with “excessive drinking” in the area.
Police are now looking to enforce a “section 12” in the area, which will aim to cut alcoholic drinking on the streets.
He said: “There have been reports over the years that there’s been some frequent drinking by people and parents outside the school as they are disposing of and collecting their children. It’s not nice for the kids to come out and see that.”
Mr Mitchell added that the school itself is doing well and got good reports in its latest Ofsted inspections but could be thought badly of if drinking in the area continues.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that complaints had been received about drinking outside the school as well as in roads nearby, and that they are working with Barnsley council to try and put a stop to it.
If the ban does come into play, anyone who is caught drinking in the area will receive a £500 fine.
Mr Mitchell added: “We welcome anything that’s going to curb excessive alcohol consumption in this area. We’ve sent out statements to parents before but we only have so many powers as governors. Maybe this will make them realise.”
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council will meet to discuss the proposed ban on October 7.
source: Press Association