A MAJOR clampdown on the consumption of alcohol in public places in a bid to cut out boozy behaviour is being considered by city council chiefs.
Worcester residents are being asked to air their views on proposals to introduce Public Spaces Protection Orders’ (PSPO), requiring any person in a designated public place not to drink alcohol and to surrender to a police officer any container in their possession used to carry alcohol.
Any person found by police, community support or designated council officers to be in breach of the proposed requirements would be guilty of a criminal offence (Section 67(1) of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014).
They could receive a fine of up to £75 or, if prosecuted at magistrates court, a maximum payment of £1,000.
“As well as causing a disturbance to residents, street drinking can affect local businesses and puts huge pressure on police time and hospital resources,” said Alice Davey, head of community services at Worcester City Council.
“Adopting the proposed order would give the council and police greater powers to intervene at an earlier stage and to take punitive action where appropriate.”
If introduced, the PSPO would not apply to licensed premises and their immediate surroundings. Premises or event organisers would still be able to apply for licences to temporarily enable the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit before May 30 comment on the proposals.
