Tougher penalties for Basingstoke town centre antisocial drinking
New orders target bad behaviour caused by excessive drinking
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is cracking down on antisocial street drinking in the town centre by introducing tougher penalties.
From this week, the council is introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the town centre area to take a firmer stance on drinking-related antisocial behaviour, making it an offence to drink alcohol in designated areas after officers from the police and the council have asked an individual to dispose of it.
The area for the new PSPO includes the town centre, War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park, Glebe Gardens, Holy Ghost Cemetery and small sections of Brookvale, Norden and Eastrop.
Anybody who does not comply faces an on the spot fine of £100 or a £500 fine if convicted by a Magistrates Court.
The order does not stop the public from drinking responsibly in these areas, for example at a picnic with friends or at events in the town centre, and is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour which has a negative impact on visitors and businesses.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Simon Bound said:
“Antisocial behaviour of any form is unacceptable and has a big impact on people. While the majority of visitors in the town centre drink sensibly, there are a minority that engage in behaviour which can cause distress to visitors and businesses.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their experiences with us during the consultation earlier this year and we hope the new tougher penalties will act as a deterrent to those who continue to behave in this way.
“Residents across the borough tell us that feeling safe is a top priority for them and we will continue to work hard with our partners to tackle antisocial behaviour and take further action where we can.”
For more information, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/pspo