New PSPO to tackle drink-related anti-social behaviour
A proposed new Public Space Protection Order could see a crackdown on drink-related anti-social behaviour.
Covering the entire city, the order will make it an offence for any person to refuse to stop drinking alcohol or hand over any bottles or cans which are believed to contain alcohol, when required to do so by a police officer or authorised officer who, in their view, believes this would assist in preventing further anti-social behaviour, public nuisance or disorder.
The order will replace smaller PSPOs currently in place in Stonehouse, the city centre, Devonport, North Hill, Mutley, Tothill Park and Freedom Fields.
Those found in breach of the order will be placed on the anti-social behaviour escalation process, a system that ensures not only that enforcement is considered for repeat offenders, but also looks at what support can be offered by services to address any underlying issues.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet member for Customer Focus and Community Safety, said: “Plymouth is a warm, vibrant and welcoming city where residents and visitors have a right to feel safe.
“We want all people to be able to enjoy our beautiful scenery and make the most of our outdoor public spaces and that means clamping down on the kind of behaviour that makes that difficult.”
It is important to clarify that this PSPO is not a blanket alcohol ban. It is entirely focussed on anti-social behaviour, not picnics in the park.
PSPOs can only be issued by local authorities and replace the Designated Public Place Order and Gating Orders. They give the police and Local Authority additional powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour
It is hoped that the new PSPO will provide a consistent approach across the city, leaving no room for confusion over boundaries.
It means that alcohol dependent individuals are dealt with exactly the same wherever they are and are signposted to correct agencies.
A four-week consultation of the proposals is now open and residents are invited to share their views using the link below.
