Public Spaces Protection Orders (Alcohol Restriction Zones)
Cannock Chase Council has implemented a Public Space Protection Order (Alcohol Restriction Zones) in the district. The PSPO covers the following areas (but would not apply within the curtilage of licensed premises):
- Cannock Town Centre and Cannock Park
- Hednesford Town Centre and Hednesford Park
- Rugeley Town Centre
- Fernwood area
- Ravenhill Park
The PSPO will enable Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers to request a person stops drinking alcohol and/or surrenders their drink if they are causing, or are likely to cause, alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder. The PSPO is not a total ban on drinking alcohol within these areas and the powers do not intend to disrupt peaceful activities.
The previous PSPO expired in October 2020 and a pilot scheme was implemented whereby other tools and powers were utilised in an attempt to prevent ASB. However, this pilot scheme was deemed a less effective solution to the issue.
The reintroduction of a PSPO will help to reduce alcohol consumption in town centres and parks across the district where current and historic behaviours have led to ASB, crime and disorder. It will also help to protect vulnerable individuals. One of the main advantages of a PSPO is the immediacy with which a situation can be dealt with, thus reducing the risk of further or escalating issues.
The new PSPO comes into force on 1st February 2022 and will last for up to 3 years.
A person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement imposed on him or her commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.00.
As previously mentioned, the alcohol restrictions would not apply if within the curtilage of a licensed premises (i.e. a licensed bar, restaurant, shop, off license or marquee licensed with a Temporary Events Notice, as a one-off event).
Please find below a copy of the new Public Space Protection Order and maps of the areas. There is a Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this webpage.
Please send any views, queries or comments to policy@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or in writing to the Partnerships, Community Safety and CCTV Manager, Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, PO Box 28, Beectroft Road, Cannock, WS11 1BG.
If you would like hard copies of the documents please call 01543 464548.
- Frequently Asked Questions
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What are Public Space Protection Orders?
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are a tool that councils can use to help prevent behaviour in an area which is negatively affecting the local community. PSPOs can prohibit certain things or require specific things to be done. They are a very common tool for councils to use.
What does the proposed PSPO prohibit?
The proposed PSPO will enable Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to request a person stops drinking alcohol and/or surrenders their drink if they are causing, or are likely to cause, alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder. The proposed PSPO would be in effect 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Which areas does the proposed PSPO cover?
The proposed PSPO will cover five areas in the district. These are Cannock Town Centre and park, Hednesford Town Centre and park, Rugeley Town Centre and park, Fernwood and surrounds and Ravenhill Park. These are the same areas that the previous Alcohol Restriction PSPO (previously Designated Public Place Orders) had regulated between 2005 and 2020. Maps are available to view on the webpage.
Why have these areas been chosen?
Within these areas it is recognised that consumption of alcohol has been causing nuisance and annoyance to the public; including rowdy and anti-social behaviour, harassment and intimidation of passers-by and the littering of cans and bottles.
Is the proposed PSPO a complete ban on drinking?
No. It will not be an offence to carry or consume alcohol in a public place and the proposed PSPO is not a ban on drinking alcohol within the areas defined. The powers do not intend to disrupt peaceful activities and would only apply if anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption was being caused, or was likely to be caused. At this point it would become an offence to not comply with an officer’s request to cease drinking or surrender alcohol.
Does the proposed PSPO include bars, pubs, licensed premises and one-off events?
No. The PSPO would not apply within the curtilage of a licensed premises (i.e. a licensed bar, restaurant, shop, off license etc.) or any other location licensed with a Temporary Events Notice.
Who would enforce the PSPO?
The proposed PSPO would be enforced by Police Officers and PCSOs. Failure to comply with an officer’s request could lead to a court fine of up to £500. The enforcement officers can also issue £100 fixed penalty notices. There is no power of arrest specifically attached to a PSPO, but subsequent offences such as drunk and disorderly behaviour for example, would have a power of arrest. Breach of a PSPO would also provide additional evidence to support banning repeat offenders from certain locations.
How will the PSPO benefit the district?
The proposed PSPO will enable the police to reduce the level of alcohol related anti-social behaviour and make the district a more desirable place to live, work and visit.
How long does a PSPO last?
The proposed PSPO and the maximum duration of a PSPO is three years. They can be extended/varied at any point before expiry, following consultation, if it is considered necessary to prevent the original behaviour from occurring or recurring. The local authority can also revoke a PSPO if it satisfied that the anti-social behaviour in the area(s) covered by the order is no longer taking place.
Are there already PSPOs in the district?
Yes, there is currently a PSPO in place within the district concerning dog controls.
Any other information?
If you or someone you know has an alcohol related problem, there is help available through Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service (STARS) on 01785 270080