Have your say on restricting alcohol consumption in Kidderminster Town Centre

An order restricting alcohol consumption in Kidderminster Town Centre could be extended until 2021.

Wyre Forest District Council is planning to renew a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for three years and is asking residents and businesses for their views. The current order was introduced in August 2015, under powers contained in the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. If extended, the PSPO would continue to cover Kidderminster Town Centre. It would allow officers to order people to stop drinking alcohol and hand over or dispose of alcohol in these areas. People who fail to do so face on-the-spot fines of up top to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

A survey is available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/pspoconsultation . The webpage includes information about the current PSPO and a map of the area it would continue to cover. The consultation closes on Monday 6 August 2018.

A PSPO is not an outright ban on street drinking. Consuming alcohol in a public place is not an offence, unless you fail to comply with an officer’s request. The PSPO covering Kidderminster Town Centre does not make it illegal to carry or drink alcohol, so long as drinking is done responsibly. The PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder.

Councillor Juliet Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Environment said: “Anti-social drinking in Kidderminster Town Centre unfortunately continues to be an issue, and extending the PSPO would ensure West Mercia Police and Wyre Forest District Council Civil Enforcement Officers still have the powers to help tackle this issue. We recognise the PSPO alone cannot tackle this and we are exploring all possible actions in conjunction with our partners.”

Further comments about the plans can be sent to community.safety@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. The consultation closes on Monday 6 August 2018.