Home
Let's Talk About West Devon's Alcohol PSPOs
Further information
We are consulting on extending and adding to our Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) within Tavistock and Okehampton which tackle alcohol related disorder.
We would like to hear your views on the subject and answer some questions on your experiences of the issue.
Public Space Protection Orders are one of a number of powers introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
They are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area which is having a harmful effect on the quality of life of those in the community.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a positive way to help prevent anti-social behaviour. It can provide a good response to some of the issues that local people and businesses face on a daily basis.
A PSPO is not there to stop people enjoying our open spaces, we simply want to make sure that everyone is able to enjoy those spaces safely. This is done by introducing requirements in specific areas telling people what they can or cannot do within it. They are designed to address issues within that area. In this case, the drinking of alcohol.
There is a PSPO currently in Tavistock Meadows that helps the Police to ask people to stop drinking alcohol in public spaces and give up their alcohol. If they fail to follow these instructions when asked, it can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.
A copy of the existing PSPO is shown on our Nuisance webpage here of our website for more information.
The current areas of the existing PSPO is set to run out in 12 November 2024. We are consulting to see if there is a need to extend, vary or remove the PSPO or add more to other areas of the Borough.
The PSPO for drinking alcohol imposes restrictions, which means an authorised officer can:
- Require a person (s) not to consume alcohol in a designated area
- Require a person (s) to surrender alcohol in their possession.
The PSPO is looking to include a dispersal order which means a person can be asked to leave an area and not return for up to 24 hours.
We encourage you to say whether you agree or disagree with our proposal to continue with the existing PSPO.
You can offer any further comments or suggestions, and share your experiences of alcohol related disorder or anti-social behaviour.
Your feedback will be analysed and shared with our councillors to help inform our decisions around extending the current PSPO.
A PSPO last for a period of three years, although it can be varied or extended following a public consultation during the time the Order is in place.
The current PSPO is not a blanket ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces: the focus remains on tackling anti-social behaviour related to drinking in public spaces where there is risk of issues.
The option for people to drink responsibly is kept, while the PSPO is there to support the Council and the Police in working together to tackle anti-social behaviour, supporting community safety and the quality of life for residents is the main objective.
The Order will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police. Policing the activity will be based on up to date information to identify hotspots which will inform patrols.
A person breaching the PSPO Order will be liable to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100.
If the fixed penalty notice is paid within the timescale no further action will be taken. If they do not pay within this time they could be prosecuted to a maximum penalty of £500 on conviction.
A dispersal order is used for anti-social situations to offer immediate relief to the community. These powers allow the Police to direct anyone who is being a nuisance, or causing disorder to leave a restricted area and not to return for up to 24 hours.
This engagement phase has finished
...
