Milton Keynes City Council is seeking local resident’s views on their proposal to extend the ban on anti-social drinking in some public spaces in the city.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which is set to expire in October 2024, addresses the anti-social behaviour that is primarily related to alcohol consumption. The PSPO is not a blanket ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces. Its goal is to address anti-social behaviour associated with drinking in public spaces. While the PSPO exists to assist the city council, The Parks Trust, and police in collaborating to address anti-social behaviour and promote community safety, people are still free to choose to drink in those spaces responsibly.
A spokesperson from MK council told MKFM, “PSPO’s act as an effective deterrent and enable officers to prevent escalation of ASB related to alcohol consumption. In the vast majority of cases, most individuals have surrendered their alcohol and moved on when approached without the need to issue a fixed penalty notice.
A public consultation is being held by MK City Council to get input and feedback on its proposal before a formal decision is taken in September 2024. Whether the order is extended will depend on their opinions as well as the police’s evidence.
The spokesperson added, “The consultation is a statutory requirement and allows us to get the views of local residents and businesses. PSPO’s last for three years.
The PSPO gives police and other authorised personnel the authority to request that someone engaging in anti-social behaviour give up their alcohol and cease drinking, if the request is refused, a £100 fixed penalty notice will be issued to the individual.
Feedback can be submitted through this online survey or by emailing PSPO@milton-keynes.gov.uk before Friday, August 16.
For further information, please visit the city council’s website.
