To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the development of the legislative proposals to reform anti-social behaviour law, following the joint Department of Justice and Department for Communities consultation.

Responses to a joint DoJ and Department for Communities (DfC) public consultation on ASB legislation, including issues of street drinking, were published in April 2025 and suggested a need for legislative reform.

In relation to the issues of drinking in public and the possibility of granting the police additional powers to tackle ASB, I have been in direct communication with the Chief Constable and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, whilst my officials have engaged with other stakeholders seeking views on proposals developed with DfC exploring the potential of powers allowing for the seizure and disposal of open and closed containers of alcoholic drinks in designated areas and in certain public order situations. As drinking in public is a cross-cutting issue, my Department and DfC will continue to work in conjunction with the PSNI and other key partners to determine next steps towards identifying a proportionate and workable solution.

As was detailed in the consultation report further work has been, and will be, required with respect to any potential amendment to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). Initially this was taken forward by an ASB Working Group comprising of statutory partners together with representatives from the community and voluntary sectors. My officials are now considering all the issues raised throughout this exercise and the recommendations of the working group to inform the final direction of the ASBO. My Department has also committed to conducting an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on this and all proposals brought forward by the ASB Working Group with a view to bringing forward legislation in the next Assembly mandate, subject to Executive and Assembly approval.