CRIME czar David Lloyd has backed calls by police chiefs to introduce privately-run ‘drunk tanks’ to deal with booze-fuelled mayhem.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: AlcoholAlcohol (Image: Archant)

Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) welcomed proposals from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) for ‘drunk tanks’, paid for by unruly drinkers and called on businesses and drinkers to behave responsibly with booze.

The ‘drunk tank’ idea – which would see private companies running services for anti-social drinkers and presenting a bill in the morning - is being proposed by police chiefs nationally and shows how Commissioner Lloyd’s ‘offender pays’ ideas are starting debate on how best to tackle crime.

Mr Lloyd said: “The notion of a drunk tank, with the drunks bearing the cost of their own care, resonates with my ‘offender pays’ ideas.

“I want to see those responsible bearing much more of the costs of crime.

“Though this is squarely at the ideas stage, it certainly looks like a good idea and one that I would be happy to explore.”

* For full reaction to the plans buy the Welwyn Hatfield Times on Wednesday.