Two weeks left to have say on alcohol restrictions in Kidderminster town centre
News release issued:
There are only two weeks left for residents and businesses to have their say on the future of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) restricting alcohol consumption in Kidderminster town centre.
An online survey launched by Wyre Forest District Council on Wednesday 7 July currently has more than 90 responses with 70% of respondents strongly agreeing or agreeing the order should continue to cover the same boundary area. 83% of respondents think the order will continue to have a positive impact on people living in Kidderminster town centre.
Following Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, officers from Wyre Forest District Council will be talking to shoppers in Exchange Place, outside Kidderminster Town Hall, on Tuesday 27 July from 10am to 2pm. This will be an opportunity for people to complete the survey and ask officers any questions they may have about the order.
Kidderminster Town Centre’s PSPO has been in place since August 2015 and it was extended for a further 3 years in August 2018.
A PSPO is not an outright ban on street drinking. It is not an offence to consume alcohol in a public place; the offence is failing to comply with an officer’s request. A PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place. So long as drinking is done responsibly a PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder.
Officers can order people drinking in these areas to stop, hand over any alcohol or dispose of the alcohol, with people who fail to do so facing a spot fine of up to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
The survey closes at 5pm on Wednesday 4 August, more information about the order can be found on the council’s website - www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/kidderminsterpspo.