Camden Council has approved a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) targeting alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, effective from July. Under the new rule, police and council enforcement officers can order individuals to stop drinking alcohol if they are engaging in anti-social behaviour, and confiscate any alcohol or beverages believed to be alcohol. Failure to comply may result in a £100 fixed penalty notice, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Non-payment could lead to prosecution.
Scope and duration of the PSPO
The PSPO applies across almost all of Camden, except Hampstead Heath, which is managed by the City of London Corporation. The order will last for three years, after which the council will decide whether to renew it. Similar orders are already in place in boroughs including Westminster, Islington, Wandsworth, and Haringey, while Croydon has an area-specific order targeting its town centre and Sutton has park-specific controls.
Definition of anti-social behaviour
According to Camden Council, anti-social behaviour is defined as behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to persons not in the same household. Examples include graffiti, littering, threatening behaviour, verbal and physical threats and abuse, harassment based on race, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation, vandalism, property damage, and drug-related anti-social behaviour.
Exemptions and balance with night-time economy
People drinking outside licensed venues are exempt from the rule, as the council aims to strike a balance between promoting a vibrant night-time economy and curbing anti-social behaviour. Additionally, if an authorised officer cannot provide evidence of their authorisation when requesting someone to stop drinking or confiscating drinks, the request is invalid.
Cllr Patricia Callaghan commented: 'We know that the majority of alcohol consumption in Camden is carried out in a responsible way. We want people to enjoy themselves, and it doesn't have a negative impact on our community. Where there are community concerns around anti-social behaviour associated with some alcohol consumption, we hope that this PSPO will help to alleviate these issues.'
