New order in place to help tackle anti-social behaviour
A ban on the drinking of alcohol in public in Scarborough is supporting local businesses and helping to create a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Working with North Yorkshire Police, we introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town on 15 October. The move is part of our wider, coordinated approach to support the community and businesses in the town.
The new order covers most of the town and enables officers and the police to work together to combat anti-social behaviour.
It means drinking in the street is prohibited if it is causing, or likely to cause, harassment, alarm and distress.
However, in a first for the county, the measure also sees the drinking of alcohol in public in a specific area of the town centre forbidden. This ‘hotspot’ covers Falsgrave, into the town centre pedestrianised area, around the railway station and nearby public spaces towards the beach.
Refusing to comply with a request to stop drinking can lead to the issuing of a fixed penalty notice, which, if not paid, can lead to court proceedings. Licensed premises with outdoor seating areas are not affected by this legislation.
Since its introduction, three fixed penalty notices have been issued after people refused to stop drinking and hand over their alcohol. In addition, our officers alongside officers from North Yorkshire Police have actively engaged with people to educate them about the order and this work is continuing.
Our executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “The issues affecting Scarborough are no different to many other places across the country. However, it is important that when we have the means to tackle them, we do so.
“Getting to this point has involved a lot of hard work and the support of many people and organisations within the town.
“I am confident the measures we can now take will have a positive effect and make Scarborough a safer place in which to work and relax.”
The new order follows widespread conversations with residents, businesses and the police.
Cllr Phillips added: “It is important to note that as well as the steps we will take to combat problem drinking in the hotspot area, we are also doing lots of work behind the scenes with relevant organisations to help those affected by issues around alcohol.”
North Yorkshire Police’s senior operational manager for Coast Command, Supt Rachel Wood said: “Tackling street-drinking and related anti-social behaviour is vital for a family-friendly town like Scarborough.
“The introduction of the new Public Spaces Protection Order is therefore greatly welcomed.
“It enhances our collective power to take direct action against individuals and groups whose behaviour has a detrimental impact in the town centre especially.”
The director of the Goodall Group Ltd and a member of the Scarborough Town Centre Team, James Goodall, said: “The Town Centre Team are very pleased that the Public Spaces Protection Order has been passed and welcome its introduction to the town centre.
“Reducing anti-social behaviour, and specifically street drinking, has been a key area that we have been keen to tackle since our inception.”