13 February 2024

What do you think about people drinking in public spaces in your local town? South Hams District Council would like residents’ thoughts on Public Space Protection Orders for specific areas within five towns which are due for renewal on Sunday 14 July.

What is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

A PSPO deals with potential anti-social behaviour in an area which could have a harmful effect on the quality of life for those in the local community. It can ban or restrict certain things, or need specific things to be done, in this case the control of alcohol in public areas.

There are some areas of the South Hams where the public drinking of alcohol is restricted.  PSPOs last for three years before they need to be reviewed and the current orders run out in July.  The District Council now need to consult on the next set for the following three year period.

The review affects all five town’s current PSPOs in the following towns, as follows:

• Totnes
• Dartmouth
• Ivybridge
• Kingsbridge
• Salcombe

For more information on the exact locations of the PSPOs within each town, please visit the consultation to have your say, which runs until Tuesday 19 March 2024.

For people not following instructions within the selected PSPO areas can have their alcohol removed by Devon and Cornwall Police and can be fined up to £500 when prosecuted.

Cllr Denise O'Callaghan, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member Housing; Environmental Health; and Licensing, said: “Most people are very responsible drinkers, but sadly not everyone is and that means drinking in public can become a nuisance for others, both at night and during the day. That is why some of the busiest and most public areas in our towns usually have Public Space Protection Orders on them, or PSPOs, as they are known.

“We want your help to find out if the ones we have in place are still fit for purpose. Are they still needed where they are? Do they need extending or is there a new area which we don’t have somewhere else that we need to think about? The survey should only take about 5-10 minutes to complete and it will benefit our communities so everyone can live together in harmony and enjoy our public spaces.

“Thank you in advance for taking the time to tell us what you think before the consultation ends on Tuesday 19 March.”

If you would like to share your thoughts online, go to: alcoholinpublic.commonplace.is

Or by post to:

Environmental Protection Team

South Hams District Council

Follaton House

Plymouth Road

Devon

TQ9 5NE