Milton Keynes City Council is set to extend a ban on anti-social drinking in some public spaces in the city.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which specifically tackles anti-social behaviour connected with drinking alcohol will be renewed pending a city council decision next week. The option for people to drink responsibly is unaffected, while the PSPO is there to support the city council, The Parks Trust, and Thames Valley Police to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour and support community safety.
Earlier this year, the city council asked local people their views on its proposals, along with evidence provided by Thames Valley Police and other partners. More than 400 responses were received, with 96% of respondents saying they support the extension. Following the feedback received, the PSPO will be extended for three years, with the ban now covering 15 parishes in the city, including the new addition of Great Linford A full list of areas can be found on the city council’s website.
The PSPO allows police or other authorised officers to be able to ask someone causing anti-social behaviour to stop drinking and hand over their alcohol or be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice if that person does not comply.
“Extending the PSPO gives us and other relevant authorities to continue to take on alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour. We have always been clear that this specifically targets people who are drinking irresponsibly in public areas and causing nuisance for others. My thanks go out to everyone that responded to the consultation and I look forward to working with partners to continue our work to ensure everyone can enjoy our public spaces.”