Two popular Kent seaside towns, Margate and Ramsgate, have implemented a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that bans alcohol consumption in high streets year-round, with offenders facing fines of up to £1,000. The order takes effect from Wednesday, July 1, and will remain in place for three years.
Details of the Alcohol Ban
The PSPO prohibits drinking alcohol in the high streets of Margate and Ramsgate at all times. Violating the order is a criminal offence, carrying a fixed penalty notice of around £100, which can be reduced if paid within 10 to 14 days. Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and fines reaching £1,000, according to reports from the Mirror.
Beyond the high streets, the order also applies to Broadstairs, Cliftonville West, Margate, and Ramsgate, targeting anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption and refusing to surrender alcohol when requested by officials. The measures follow reports from Kent Police about brawls on Broadstairs and Margate beach last week, as well as assaults at Margate Railway Station.
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
Several businesses in Thanet told BBC Radio Kent they have been forced to close early due to anti-social behaviour, with one establishment planning to relocate entirely because of the intimidating atmosphere. The Thanet District Council website states the order aims to "introduce targeted restrictions to curb alcohol-related disorder, public urination, and defecation for a period of three years."
East Thanet MP Polly Billington said following the order's approval on Thursday: "It's vital for our economy that people feel confident about keeping their doors open to their shop, and actually, [it's vital] for the wellbeing of our residents and our visitors that everybody feels safe."
Community Support and Enforcement
Before the order was approved, Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, stated: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. Our communities deserve safe, clean, and welcoming public spaces, and this overwhelming support shows how passionate local people are about protecting their environment."
She added: "If Cabinet agrees to implement these proposals, our safety teams and the police will have an effective tool to address persistent issues impacting our towns. We have listened closely to feedback, and while enforcement would always be a last resort, these measures could significantly improve the quality of life across Thanet."
Background on the Towns
Margate, often called 'Shoreditch-on-Sea,' remains a beloved Kent destination with Victorian character, expansive sandy beaches, and convenient transport links to London. Ramsgate offers extensive beaches, the Royal Harbour, and a thriving independent food scene. The new restrictions aim to preserve these attractions by reducing alcohol-related disorder.
