On October 13, 2023, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet resolved to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Loughborough Town Centre extending it for another three years until October 19, 2026.

What is a PSPO?

When there are problems or nuisance in a specific locality, that has a detrimental impact upon a community’s quality of life, the Council can apply for a PSPO. These Orders are designed to ensure all members of a community can use and enjoy a public space, safe from anti-social behaviour.

An Order places restrictions and requirements on certain behaviour within the specified locality and can last up to 3 years. The Council can – after further consultation – extend and vary it for another three-year period.

The Loughborough Town Centre PSPO prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a  manner which causes, or is likely to cause, a nuisance or annoyance to other persons within the designated locality.

This Order is not a total ban on drinking alcohol in public places but does makes it an offence to carry on drinking alcohol, when asked to stop by a Constable or authorised officer.

The aim of the PSPO is to prevent alcohol related anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. (ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014)

When might an officer ask me to stop drinking?

A police officer will have the power to ask you to stop drinking alcohol in the designated locality (map attached) if in their opinion:

You are behaving in a manner to cause, or likely to cause, a nuisance or annoyance to other persons in the designated locality.

Under section 63 of the Act, it will be an offence for a person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a requirement imposed on him or her under section 63(2) of the Act, namely:

  • Consuming alcohol in breach of the Order: or
  • Failing to surrender alcohol or container for alcohol within the designated area

A person commits an offence if they fail to comply with a request not to consume alcohol or a request that is made to surrender anything in their procession which is reasonably believed to be alcohol or a container for alcohol.

A breach of the PSPO under section 63 of the Act, can be dealt with through a Fixed Penalty Notice issued by authorised officers. For the breach of an alcohol prohibition (section 63), a level 2 fine (up to £100) can be imposed. Upon summary conviction, if the offender has refused to pay the fine, the sanction can be raised to a level 3 fine at Magistrates Court.

A copy of the order can be found below:

A copy of the map that shows the area of the PSPO can be found below:

Last updated: Fri 20th October, 2023 @ 15:49