What do you think about people drinking in public spaces? We would like to hear from residents about alcohol Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Tavistock and Okehampton.
Two of our priorities are to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors and to respond to local challenges. This is successfully being done through joint working with the Police to reduce alcohol related anti-social behaviour.
A consultation, running from today until Friday 23 August 2024, focuses on alcohol PSPOs for Tavistock and Okehampton. Information about other areas where there is an issue is also welcomed.
A Public Space Protection Order deals with any type of 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 require specific action to be taken. A PSPO must be renewed every three years.
People not following instructions within the selected PSPO areas can have their alcohol removed by Devon and Cornwall Police, be instructed to leave the area for a set amount of time and can be fined up to £1,000 when prosecuted.
Cllr Jane Elliott, Lead Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “It’s rare in West Devon that we need to use our Public Space Protection Orders in our public areas because most residents and visitors are considerate of others. However, it’s good to have them there to fall back on for those rare cases when individuals abuse alcohol and spoil the enjoyment of public spaces for others.
“Please take five minutes to see if the current and new proposed PSPOs sound about right. Is there a new area which we haven’t identified somewhere else that we need to think about? Please let us know because these could benefit many of us in the future. Thank you.”
For more information on the exact locations of the PSPOs please visit the online consultation at https://publicalcohol.commonplace.is/
You can also take part in the consultation by post:
Environmental Protection Team
West Devon Borough Council
Kilworthy Park
Drake Road
Tavistock
Devon
PL19 0BZ
