Ipswich residents and local stakeholders are being urged to have a say on plans to extend the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which covers antisocial behaviour related alcohol consumption in Ipswich.
The existing PSPO expires on 18 November 2023 and Suffolk Constabulary has requested a three-year extension to help officers continue to counter alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public places.
This request was considered and approved at Ipswich Borough Council’s Executive meeting on 8 August 2023, a public consultation will now take place until 12 September to obtain feedback on proposals via survey.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a provision created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act). This replaced a Borough-wide Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) imposed in 2007 and gives Police, including Police Community Support Officers, and other designated officers, the power to take alcohol from anyone who is causing a nuisance in a public place and issue a Fixed Penalty Notice or refer for prosecution (which can result in a fine). A PSPO does not affect those considerately enjoying a drink in a public area or park.
Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, says:
“The current Public Spaces Protection Order has assisted the Police to deal with alcohol related disorder in our town, while enabling the law-abiding majority to enjoy a drink within our parks and open spaces.
Residents and businesses now have an opportunity to have their say on a further three-year extension to the Order. I encourage everyone to have their say before the consultation closes on 12 September and urge support for it.”
Current consultation information and the online survey can be found on the Ipswich Borough Council website at: Current consultations | Ipswich Borough Council
Image credit – Ipswich Borough Council
