Renewal of the anti-social alcohol consumption PSPO

We introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2023 to stop drinking alcohol in public places where it leads to anti-social behaviour and nuisance.

This order expires on 19 October 2026, and we’re asking for your views on whether it should be renewed for another 3 years, until 19 October 2029.

What is this PSPO about?

This PSPO is a legal power used by the council and police to deal with anti-social behaviour linked to drinking alcohol in public places.

It allows authorised officers to take alcohol away and ask people who are causing problems to stop drinking.

The aim is to keep public spaces safe and welcoming for everyone. It is not meant to stop people using public spaces responsibly.

Drinking alcohol in a public place is not an offence on its own. It only becomes an offence if someone refuses to follow a reasonable request from an authorised officer to stop drinking or hand over their alcohol.

Who is an authorised person?

An authorised person can be a:

• police officer
• Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
• council officer who has been given the power to enforce this order

Restricted area

All public places in Brighton & Hove, except for certain premises covered by national law (Section 62 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014).

Failure to comply

You must stop drinking alcohol if asked to by an authorised officer and hand over any alcohol (or anything they think is alcohol), which will be disposed of.

If you don’t follow these instructions, you may be issued a £100 fixed penalty notice.