Street drinking in Mitcham town centre has become "out of control," according to a local café owner, who reports police are called out several times a week to deal with fights and smashed windows. The PSPO that previously allowed police to confiscate open alcohol expired on July 25, and Merton Council has no plans to renew it, leaving some residents concerned.
Ali Shabaan, owner of Tag Elezz Cafe near Mitcham's Jubilee Clock Tower, said alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) is an almost daily occurrence. "The police are called out at least three to four times a week," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). He added that street drinkers have smashed his café windows, and he now considers leaving the town.
PSPO Expiry Raises Concerns
The borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced by Merton's Labour-led council in July 2023 and expired on July 25 this year. It allowed police to confiscate open alcoholic drinks in the town centre. The council confirmed it is currently gathering evidence and reviewing options as part of a wider review of PSPOs, but no decision has been made on a new order.
Ali said, "The police don't currently have the power to take stronger action." Another resident, who did not give their name, expressed frustration: "I can't understand how the council has allowed this vital measure for public safety to expire with no replacement." They added that the council's perceived focus on community safety during recent local elections made the failure unjustifiable.
Residents and Councillors Respond
Lib Dem Councillor Victoria Wilson, Shadow Lead for Community Safety, believes the PSPO should be reinstated to give police short-term powers. She told the LDRS: "We know anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking continues to be a problem in places like Mitcham town centre, and has been increasing in other areas of the borough like around Raynes Park station." She called the decision not to renew "premature" without an alternative plan.
Victor Gough, a lifelong Mitcham resident and former window cleaner, said he is worried about the loss of the PSPO. "It does worry me," he said. However, as a Street Pastor for nearly two decades, he noted Mitcham has a "sense of community not seen in other areas of London." He added, "There is more investment in Wimbledon, and little investment seen in Mitcham."
Council Defends Measures
A Merton Council spokesperson said: "Merton Council has strong measures in place to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in our town centres." They highlighted that Safer Streets Neighbourhood Wardens patrol Mitcham town centre weekly, including evenings and weekends, and that the council uses CCTV and works closely with police.
The spokesperson added that the council's approach is to "work with people first, offering advice and support with alcohol treatment and recovery services," and to take enforcement action when behaviour continues. They also mentioned investments in Mitcham, including better lighting, greening, and community activities at the bandstand.
