ADZ's could be in place by October

Alcohol Disorder Zones (ADZs) could be in place as soon as October, but will be a 'last resort intervention'.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said that a consultation on how ADZs will be implemented will be launched 'shortly'.

He added: "Following the consultation, regulations will be placed before Parliament at the earliest opportunity. The earliest possible date for commencement of ADZs will be October 1, 2007."

Councils will be allowed to introduce an ADZ if criteria are met. This will include a 28-day consultation period, while licensees will be able to implement an action plan within eight weeks of the announcement of the ADZ.

"The guidance will place ADZs as a last resort intervention," Mr Coaker added.

Local authorities are able to designate ADZs as the part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, 'where there is nuisance, disorder or annoyance associated with the consumption of alcohol in the area or the consumption of alcohol supplied in the area which is likely to be repeated'.

Pubs in an ADZ could be made to pay a £100 a week towards funding the initiative.