5 days ago
Popular UK beach cracks down with strict alcohol rules this summer
Alcohol will be seized from people at Bournemouth Beach as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour.
Police officers will be able to confiscate alcohol, nitrous oxide and other substances where appropriate.
Dorset Police have said that extra officers will be out on patrol at the beach this weekend as another heatwave is set to hit the UK.
During the last heatwave in June, several officers were injured in clashes with groups at Bournemouth Pier.
The police have warned that any aggressive behaviour could result in fixed penalty notices.
Ch Supt Heather Dixey warned: 'Violence and disorder on Bournemouth beach will absolutely not be tolerated and anyone who is identified as being involved will be robustly dealt with.'
The warning following reports that plans for more violence have been circulating on social media with the beach expected to be crowded.
The coastline from Sandbanks to Highcliffe is covered by a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which allows officers to address bad behaviour including aggression, loud music and public urination.
Community Safety Accreditation officers from the council will also be patrolling at the beach this weekend.
The council will monitor the area using CCTV to manage crowds and reduce crime.
It said: 'We continue to work closely with Dorset Police and alongside partner agencies to help manage the influx of visitors to ensure everyone has a good weekend.'
Visitors have also been warned to park responsibly at the beach after 1,300 parking tickets were issued to drivers during the June heatwave.
On its website, Bournemouth Council warns that visitors may be prosecuted if they light an open fire at Bournemouth Beach or attempt to camp anywhere along the seafront.
Bournemouth Beach is one of the UK's best-rated beaches on Tripadvisor and has won awards.
However, recent visitors on Tripadvisor have complained of litter and overcrowding at the popular Dorset hotspot.
One visitor said there was 'lots of rubbish everywhere' while another said the beach was 'overcrowded' with 'lots of alcohol'.
Despite this, another visitor described the beach as 'just brilliant for a laid-back day by the sea'.
It comes as new research has revealed the British beaches with the worst litter problems - with daytrippers reporting some of their shocking finds during trips to the seaside, including human waste, drug paraphernalia and broken glass.
Plastic waste experts at released data based on TripAdvisor reviews naming and shaming British sands where you're likely to encounter other people's waste.
Topping the list is bucket-and-spade resort Skegness on the Lincolnshire, with one of the worst reviews, posted in June this year, reporting grim accounts of 'human waste and serviettes covered in faeces' being left on the sands.
