Hull City Council – Public Consultation on Public Space Protection Order

Hull City Council request your support in promoting the below survey concerning a review of the current Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for street drinking related Anti Social Behaviour.

The review is required under the current legislation to determine whether or not the Order remains relevant.  To support this an on-line survey is being launched by HCC seeking residents views as to whether or not there is evidence to support a continuation of the order post March 19.  The links to the survey are as follows: https://bit.ly/2CcKbPB

The areas affected are within the former Riverside and Wyke areas as identified on the attached map.  The wards (pre May 2018) covered by the PSPO are Avenue, Bricknell, Newland, Drypool, Myton, St Andrew’s and Newington.  The closing date for the survey is 10/2/19.  All responses will be considered by Cabinet at its meeting in March 2019.

Hull City Council review of the current Public Spaces Protection (Alcohol Consumption) (Riverside & Wyke) Order 2016

Hull City Council is required to undertake a review of the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which is due to expire in March, 2019.   

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 enables Councils to introduce these Orders, after consultation with communities and other interested parties. The Orders must be reviewed every three years to ensure they are still necessary.

What is the PSPO?

The Public Space Protection Order aims to control anti-social behaviour associated with street drinking within the Riverside & Wyke areas of the city.  The restricted area is edged in black on the attached map.

The Order states consumption of alcohol in all childrens’ play areas and cemeteries within the restricted area is prohibited – these are the only public spaces where the consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

The Public Space Protection Order is not a total ban on drinking in public places (except play areas and cemeteries) but makes it an offence to carry on drinking when asked to stop by a Police Officer.  This power should only be used in circumstances where antisocial behaviour is occurring or is likely to occur.

If someone, without a reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the Officer’s request they are committing an offence which can result in a penalty notice or a fine.

Private land is not covered by the legislation governing PSPO’s.

Are people still able to drink outside of pubs?

Yes.  The PSPO does not make it illegal to drink alcohol in a public place (except play areas and cemeteries).  

What about street parties and events in parks?

Events which take place in a public space and have been authorised by a premises license, or a temporary events notice will be excluded from the PSPO powers.

Review of the Current PSPO

The following four options are proposed:

(1)       That the PSPO be retained in its current format.

(2)       That the geographical boundaries of the PSPO be reduced.

(3)       That the terms or prohibitions be amended.

(4)       That the PSPO be discharged.

The purpose of this survey is to provide you with an opportunity to express your views on the above options.  As such this is an opportunity for you to be consulted and for the views you express, along with those submitted by other interested parties, to be taken into account by the Council in any decisions made.