Tower Hamlets Council currently does consult on drinking in local parks, it is currently prohibited due to a Council policy, which is up or renewal. See link to consultation below.

How do you want anti-social drinking tackled in Tower Hamlets? Give your views on our survey: https://orlo.uk/WjuYm

Our recent Twitter post about the subject attracted the remark that cans of beer are £1.50 whilst a pub pint costs £6.50. An easy argument in a cost of living crisis.

It is not as easy as just outlawing drinking in public spaces as no alternative venues are made available. The many community centres are not permitted to have alcohol consumed either.

A large proportion of residents’ cultural habits are ignored and not provided for.

Responsible alcohol consumption also depends on the kind of venue people can use to congregate, gather, socialise and enjoy a pleasant time together.

Driving people out of pubs, restaurants into public spaces with more affordable and cheap alcohol is asking for trouble. Then to say, you better don’t drink at all, doesn’t accept that it is a large proportion of the Tower Hamlets population who do want to consume alcohol in their leisure time. Why make only community spaces available, which do not permit tempered drinking?

This is a very difficult situation as the pub prices are forced by various factors like cost of sale, taxes. People’s spending power is curbed by the Cost of Living crisis.

It would be interesting to have a discussion group around this issue or form a committee as the issue of ASB related to cheap alcohol consumption in public spaces is a considerable factor and burden on our community.

• ASB