Substance Misuse

Confiscation of Alcohol

The Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom. The purpose of the act was to empower Police Officers to confiscate alcohol from the possession of any minors under the age of 18. Previously only the purchase of alcohol was illegal by minors, and officers could take no action against a minor in possession of alcohol unless they were committing another offence. The Act was introduced to allow Officers to seize alcohol in a minor's possession and create an offence for any person who fails to comply with a request to confiscate. The Act can also be applied to a person over 18 if the officer believes that the person intends to supply a minor with alcohol in their possession.

Drink Banning Orders

Drink banning orders are civil orders that can be made against an individual aged at least 16 if they have engaged in criminal or disorderly conduct while under the influence of alcohol. The orders may last for between 2 months and 2 years. The aim of the order is to protect persons from further conduct of that kind, by prohibiting the individual from doing things prescribed within the order. Individuals in receipt of an order have the opportunity to attend an approved course voluntarily in order to address their alcohol-related behaviour.

For information and advice on substance misuse contact |Surrey Drug and Alcohol Action Team.