Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour in Arun
A new anti-social behaviour public space protection order [PSPO] shaped by public consultation will come into effect on 1 April 2020.
The PSPO allows authorised officers to instruct people to stop behaving anti-socially or drinking alcohol in public, and alcohol can be confiscated and disposed of.
Anyone who does not comply with a request given by a police officer or authorised Council officer may be issued with a fixed penalty notice or a summons to court.
This follows on from the previous order made in 2017 and sees the ‘restricted areas’ altered to include additional locations that have been subjected to persistent anti-social behaviour.
The enforcement of the PSPO is a continuation of the local multi-agency strategy to reduce street drinking and associated behaviours which cause nuisance and impact on our communities.
Officers will also have the power to direct people engaged in these activities to leave the restricted area for a period of time.
Arun District Council’s Cabinet gave its agreement to introduce the order at a meeting last night [10 February 2020]. It will run for a period of three years, unless it is varied, extended or discharged.
Councillor Gill Yeates, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: “The Council remains committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in our communities and this PSPO will allow us to work collaboratively with Sussex Police and our various partners to address these issues.
“The PSPO targets locations within our district where there is evidence of street drinking and anti-social behaviour problems. It will allow the Council’s officers and the police to address these issues in a cohesive manner.
“It must be stressed that the power to remove alcohol is discretionary and is not a total ban on drinking alcohol in public. Alcohol will only be taken away from people who are causing problems or who are likely to engage in unreasonable behaviour when drinking.
“Arun District Council will continue to work with support services to help anyone wanting to tackle their dependency on alcohol.”
Maps of the designated restricted areas are attached. The restricted areas are outlined in blue.