Bath & North East Somerset Council is inviting residents to have their say on restricting street drinking in public places in Midsomer Norton and Bath.
Currently there are Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs) in place which restrict street drinking and prohibit people from having alcohol in their possession in designated public places in the town and city. The DPPO for Bath was introduced in 2004 and the one for Midsomer Norton town centre in 2014.
The DPPOs are due to expire in October so the Council is asking members of the public if they should use new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 to continue restrictions on alcohol consumption in these areas.
Under the PSPOs it would be an offence, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with a request by an authorised officer, for example a police officer, to cease drinking or surrender alcohol. Anyone found guilty of such an offence could be fined up to £500.
Divisional Director for Strategy and Performance at Bath & North East Somerset Council, David Trethewey, said: “We want to hear what members of the public think about these proposals. We want to ensure those living, working and visiting Bath and North East Somerset can enjoy our area.”
When considering whether or not to extend the existing DPPOs in the form of PSPOs the Council is required to consult.
The deadline for responding to the consultation is 15th August and more details for each of the areas including consultation questionnaires can be found by visiting www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/your-council-and-democracy/consultations.
