Enforcement powers for anti-social drinking in Durham city centre
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) means we can fine people for drinking alcohol in public spaces in Durham City.
Background information
PSPOs are put in place to make sure that people can use and enjoy public spaces safely away from anti-social behaviour. We have the power to make a PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Following a consultation in 2019, a three year PSPO came into force to ban drinking alcohol in a specific part of Durham City. The order means that if we believe people are drinking alcohol in this area (or anything which is reasonably believed to be alcohol) we have the power to stop them and take it from them.
We are extending this order for a further three years until 30 June 2025.
Map of the PSPO area
What the PSPO means
It is an offence in this area to:
- continue to drink alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised person (our staff or police officers)
- refuse to either stop drinking or give up the alcohol when asked to do so by a police officer or neighbourhood warden
- drink alcohol which is likely to be associated with disorder, nuisance or causing annoyance to the public
- engage in any activity that is not allowed by this order without reasonable excuse
Enforcement and penalties
Authorised people (Neighbourhood wardens, our staff, police officers) have the power to issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) of £100 if you do not follow the PSPO. The fine is reduced to £60 if it is paid within ten working days of issue. If the fine is not paid, you will be taken to court. The maximum fine is £1,000.
