A new Public Space Protection Order is being introduced to crackdown on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour across Plymouth.
Covering the entire city, the order makes 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 replaces smaller PSPOs currently in place in Stonehouse, the city centre, Devonport, North Hill, Mutley, Tothill Park and Freedom Fields and comes into effect from Tuesday 20 October.
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: “We all strive for Plymouth to be a vibrant waterfront city where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone.
“Drink-related anti-social behaviour is at odds with this vision and so I’m glad to pass this order and give police and Council officers the powers to appropriately tackle it.”
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 replaces orders such as 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 or prohibitions.
A public consultation on the implementation and details of the order was run in November 2019. Results showed that 83.7 per cent of responders were in agreement that a citywide PSPO would be of benefit to the city. A further 85.7 per cent of responders believed that a citywide order would offer consistency and fairness.
The full order will be published on the Plymouth City Council website on 20 October 2020.