Have powers to tackle alcohol consumption in public spaces worked?
Worcester City Council wants your views on whether tougher powers to tackle the consumption of alcohol in public spaces, which were introduced nearly three years ago, have made a difference.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which currently applies to public spaces across the city centre and some parts of Blackpole, Brickfields and Warndon, will expire in August 2021.
"The consumption of alcohol and related anti-social behaviour in public spaces can be a real nuisance to local residents, causing disturbance and increasing their anxiety," says Councillor Lynn Denham, Vice Chair of the City Council's Communities Committee.
"We introduced tougher powers three years ago to address this issue. We now want to know if residents feel this has made a difference and whether we should continue with the order or change it in some way. Please complete the survey at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit."
The main purpose of the current PSPO is to prohibit the consumption of alcohol by:
- Requesting that individuals stop consuming alcohol in the designated areas
- Requesting a person to surrender any alcohol in their possession
- Empowering Officers to dispose of anything surrendered under the Order.
Breaching the Order currently carries a maximum penalty fine of £70.
The results of the consultation will help councillors to determine whether to renew, withdraw or amend the existing PSPO.
You can give your views by completing a short online survey at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit. The survey will close 4 April 2021.