Have your say on the extension of the alcohol consumption Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Lambeth

Purpose / Background

Have your say on the extension of the alcohol consumption Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Lambeth. The existing order expires on 19th October 2023 and the Council plans for this new PSPO to be in place as the old order expires.  

The borough wide order targets alcohol consumption in public places associated with anti-social behaviour. It requires those in breach of the order to surrender their alcohol to Council or Police officers, or face a fine. If fines are not paid, offenders will be prosecuted. Data analysed by the Council confirmed that street drinking continues to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. This detriment is caused in the following ways:

(a)  Public nuisance in the form of intimidation and  inappropriate behaviour towards members of the public, sometimes linked to congregation in groups;

(b) Impact on high street businesses in the form of loitering and aggressive begging outside of business premises and on the high street; 

(c) Waste in the form of littering in public spaces including: housing estates, residential roads, parks and open spaces, and town centres; and

(d) The escalation of vulnerabilities associated with  some individuals who are frequent street drinkers, the risk they pose to themselves and other members of the public.   

If the PSPO is not extended, it would mean that authorised officers, namely Council and Police officers, would not be able to efficiently and effectively resolve Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) issues associated with the consumption of alcohol in public places.

Please see the recommendation to consult report and evidence base for the Council's full rationale and any further details.