Medway Council, in partnership with Medway police, has moved to crack down on anti-social behaviour and street drinking in Chatham. Residents and businesses were consulted and they told the council that they would fully support an alcohol control zone.

Much vandalism and anti-social behaviour is alcohol-related. The alcohol control zone in Chatham should help reduce anti-social behaviour and make a real difference for people living, working and shopping in the area. The zone is the second in Medway. The first was introduced in Rochester in 2003.

The order does not mean a blanket ban on drinking in public in Chatham but does mean a police officer or authorised council officer can prevent anyone drinking alcohol if they are behaving anti-socially. They also have the power to confiscate and dispose of alcohol and fine people up to £500 – failure to comply can lead to arrest.