Tolerance zones: a pragmatic approach to respond to problems related to open alcohol and drug scenes in Bremen/Germany
ISSN: 1745-9265
Article publication date: 27 July 2021
Issue publication date: 8 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to describe and analyse an approach in the city of Bremen (Germany) to establish streetwork-supported tolerance zones for local open drug and alcohol scenes to reduce related disorder and nuisance in public spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative methodology included systematic participant observations at public sites of drug and alcohol use, and problem-centred interviews with different groups of respondents (residents, passers-by, trades people, drug users, experts from addiction help and police).
Findings
In residential districts, tolerance zones were well accepted by their target group and found to reduce perceived disorder and nuisance in public space. However, their success depends on the social and spatial conditions of the chosen location, its surrounding urban infrastructure, cooperation among local actors and characteristics of drug using groups.
Originality/value
Usually, policing of open drug scenes focuses on repression and law enforcement. The example of Bremen suggests that streetwork-supported tolerance zones dedicated to the drug scene can substantially reduce disorder and nuisance in public space.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The project was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung).Conflicts of interest: none.
Citation
Prepeliczay, S. and Schmidt-Semisch, H. (2021), "Tolerance zones: a pragmatic approach to respond to problems related to open alcohol and drug scenes in Bremen/Germany", Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 225-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-12-2020-0082
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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