Alcohol consumption in designated public areas
Drinking responsibly in the Borough of Allerdale
Certain areas, largely town centres, are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). These were once known as Designated Public Places Order (DPPO)
A PSPO regultates the drinking of alcohol in public open air spaces in these areas.
What is a Public Space Protection Order?
PSPOs make it an offence to drink alcohol in public places after being asked not to do so by a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or the Council’s Enforcement Officers.
This order is not a total ban on drinking alcohol in public places. It just makes it an offence to carry on drinking alcohol when asked to stop by a constable or authorised officer. This allows control to be exercised over those who by drinking on the street or in open air spaces are adversely affecting the enjoyment of that area by others.
How will a Public Space Protection Order help?
The PSPO has been imposed in order to:
- Give Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or a Council’s Enforcement Officers the power where there is repeat and persistent nuisance, clearly linked to the public drinking of alcohol
- Enable a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or a Council Enforcement Officer to target people who cause a nuisance when they are moving between licensed premises
- Cut down alcohol related disturbances in public
- Allow use in specific areas and for specific periods of time enabling a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or a Council Enforcement Officer to tackle any nuisance clearly linked to the public drinking of alcohol. There will be clear publicity and signage in these areas.
- Send a clear and consistent message that anti-social drinking is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the areas public places
- Help make the area a place where visitors and users feel safe
Is it a ban on drinking alcohol in public?
No. A drinker's behaviour will be considered in any action by enforcement officers. It is not intended to stop an individual drinking sensibly, for example, if you are drinking alcohol with a picnic in a park.
Where are the Public Space Protection Orders?
Download the Designated Public Places Order 2004
Download the Holme Abbey Parish Public Places Order 2004
