New drunkenness offence 'too vague'

Douglas Borough Council is highlighting six main areas of concern in its formal submission to the consultation exercise on the new Criminal Justice Bill.

Among other things, it believes police should only be allowed to seize items which directly relate to offences being investigated, and that only justices of the peace and deemsters should be authorised to sign search warrants. Changes are proposed in both these areas.

Policy and Resources Committee member David Ashford says councillors are also concerned about the planned creation of a new offence of drunkenness in the viscinity of licenced premises (play audio file):

The consultation exercise on the Criminal Justice Bill has been extended, and the closing date for submissions is now Wednesday, December 16.