(1)The Secretary of State—
(a)must issue such guidance as he considers appropriate about the manner in which local authorities, police authorities and chief officers of police are to exercise and perform their powers and duties by virtue of this Chapter; and
(b)may from time to time revise that guidance.
(2)The guidance must include guidance about what alternative steps should be considered before a proposal is made for the designation of a locality as an alcohol disorder zone.
(3)Before issuing or revising any guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
(a)persons he considers represent the interests of local authorities;
(b)persons he considers represent the interests of chief officers of police;
(c)persons he considers represent the interests of police authorities;
(d)persons he considers represent the interests of holders of premises licences;
(e)persons he considers represent the interests of holders of club premises certificates; and
(f)such other persons as he thinks fit.
(4)It shall be the duty of every local authority, police authority and chief officer of police, in exercising their powers and duties by virtue of this Chapter, to have regard to the guidance for the time being in force under this section.