Purpose

The current PSPO which prohibits alcohol-related anti-social behavior across the Borough is due to expire on the 21st October and a decision is required by Cabinet whether or not to endorse that Full Council renew the PSPO for a further 3 years.

Content

RESOLVED That Full Council be recommended to: a)            extends for a period of 3 years the Borough wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to prohibit the consumption of alcohol where that consumption contributes to, is linked to or is associated with nuisance or annoyance to members of the public or a section of the public, or to disorder in the borough of Crawley as set out in Appendix Areport HCS/058.   b)            agrees that fixed penalties imposed for breaches of the PSPO to be maintained at £100.    Reasons for the Recommendations   A PSPO can target a range of behaviours and can prohibit specified activities or require certain things to be done by people engaged in certain activities. PSPOs can send a clear message that these behaviours will not be tolerated and help reassure residents and businesses that unreasonable conduct is being addressed. Council officers consider it necessary to extend the PSPO in order to prevent an increase in the frequency and or/seriousness of anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption in a public space after the current PSPO expires.  The extension is also supported by the Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and West Sussex County Council. The current PSPO has had success in tackling the detrimental effect that street drinking has on the public and businesses in the town centre. The extension of the PSPO would continue to provide the police and council with a tool to tackle problems associated with alcohol-related nuisance, annoyance and disorder.