Enforcement powers to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in some public spaces on the Isle of Wight could be extended for a further 3 years.
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were introduced in areas of East Cowes, Freshwater, Totland, Lake, Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin to deal with those creating a nuisance or disorder in communities as a result of alcohol consumption.
The current orders are set to expire in July, and the Isle of Wight Council is considering extending them for a further 3 years, potentially until 2028.
It has launched a public consultation to gather opinions on whether the existing measures should remain unchanged or be modified.
The consultation will be open until 26th March 2025 and people can have their say on the council’s website – https://www.iow.gov.uk/business-and-consumer/licensing-services/licensing/public-spaces-protection-orders-pspos/.
PSPOs are not a blanket ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces. They are designed to tackle anti-social behaviour related to drinking in public spaces in designated areas.
The option for people to drink responsibly is retained, while PSPOs are there to support the council and police in working together to tackle anti-social behaviour and support community safety.
Offenders may be asked to stop drinking, and if they refuse, their alcohol can be seized, and they may face fines or other legal consequences.
Chief Inspector Andy McDonald said:
“Public Space Protection Orders have proven an important tool in reducing the impact that alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) can have on the community, and they are implemented in the areas that we know are impacted the most.
“Disruptive behaviour associated with street drinking can leave people feeling unsafe, and the community have expressed their concerns to us about this. But it’s not just Isle of Wight residents affected — holidaymakers and visitors to our Island, including families with young children, will be impacted too.
“It’s crucial that people keep reporting concerns around anti-social behaviour to us as this will allow local officers to take action, particularly in relation to anyone showing disregard to the PSPO. This consultation will also give the public an opportunity to offer their views on the effectiveness of the PSPO, and feed back any issues or concerns relating to street drinking and ASB.
“We know that individuals involved in street drinking are typically very vulnerable due to addiction. In addition to taking appropriate action to deal with any offences or ASB, police also work closely with partner agencies who can support individuals with addiction needs in order to help reduce their offending and disruptive behaviour.”
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, added:
“While the PSPOs have not entirely eradicated the issues, they have been a valuable tool in discouraging and managing anti-social behaviour.
“The council is eager to ensure the PSPOs continue to meet the community’s needs and is seeking feedback from residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders to determine whether the order should be extended or adjusted.”
The consultation is open to everyone, and all feedback, both positive and constructive, is welcome.
Just wander around Ventnor or Sandown or Ryde, and within seconds you will spot drug / drunk idiots, they may come across as nice people but they really are not. These need to be renewed and extended to more towns, Ventnor being one of them. We need to stop pandering to these idiots, come down tough. “very vulnerable due to addiction” absolute hogwash. You should be thinking about the public more not these lowlifes.
Most of them spill out of the drinking establishments. Ban them too perhaps? This ban is on alcohol in outside spaces, and cannot be separated easily from those who drank elsewhere but caused a problem outside. ‘Offenders may be asked to stop drinking, and if they refuse, their alcohol can be seized, and they may face fines or other legal consequences.’ Emphasis on the word ‘if’. How tough do you propose coming down, as this could easily impact say, a domestic row in the street between a couple who had a drink the night before etc etc. It’s not easy to come down tough when some laws impact the rights of the innocent.
Why is there even an end date. That’s just saying to the drunks, it’s ok, you can carry on with the ASB now.
Because it was an interim ban, not written into law. That’s the government’s job. It stemmed from the lockdown years I think.