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Cabinet approve renewal of town centre antisocial drinking order

News release 10565, published on 09 Oct 2024

Plans to renew an order to curb antisocial street drinking in Basingstoke town centre to keep it a safe and welcoming place, have been agreed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

During a meeting of the borough council’s Cabinet held last night (Tuesday 8 October), it was agreed to stand firm on the council’s robust approach to alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and renew the public space protection order for the town centre area.

This decision followed feedback supporting the renewal of the order, that was first put in place in November 2021, received during consultation with residents, businesses and visitors earlier this year.

The order, which will last for three years, makes it an offence to continue to drink alcohol in designated areas after being asked to stop by officers from the police or council. Those who don’t comply could receive an on-the-spot fine of £100 or a £1,000 fine if convicted by a magistrates’ court. 

It covers the town centre, War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park, Glebe Gardens, Holy Ghost Cemetery and small sections of Brookvale, Norden and Eastrop. This is based on evidence of areas where alcohol-related antisocial behaviour has been reported to the police or the council and has had a negative impact on businesses, visitors or residents in the town. 

Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: "As a council we are working hard to encourage more people into our town centre and our plans to renew the order, which gives us greater powers to stamp out alcohol-related antisocial behaviour, were met positively by those people who took part in the public consultation.

“This is not about banning drinking or stopping cafe culture but instead ensuring that people can enjoy the area without being disturbed by antisocial behaviour. We want our town centre to continue to be a safe and welcoming place to visit during the day and in the evening and this order supports that approach.”

For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/alcohol-pspo

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