Extension of Alcohol related PSPOs

We are looking to extend the current alcohol related Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in the borough of Dacorum for another three years.

We are inviting residents to have their say on the proposed extension, which give us the power to tackle problem behaviour in our parks, and public spaces to address issues and anti-social behaviour caused by drinking alcohol in public in certain areas of the borough.

This is your opportunity to have your say in support of or against the extension proposals.

Why are we doing this?

The Council currently have six alcohol specific PSPOs in force which expire in April 2024 and cover the following areas:

• Hemel Hempstead town centre, Gadebridge Park, Old Town, and Randall’s Park;
• Berkhamsted and Northchurch;
• Bovingdon;
• Boxmoor;
• Evans Wharf, Aspley Lock; and
• Frogmore End, Durrants Hill Road

The areas covered by these PSPOs were suggested by the Police and approved by the Licensing Health and Safety Enforcement Committee when they were first brought into force in 2006 and 2007, and combine to provide wide coverage, covering all publicly accessible places such as highways, squares, pedestrian areas, public conveniences, doorways, entrances and other open areas within the administrative area of the Council.

Where an order restricts consumption of alcohol in public places, a police officer or authorised person may require any person not to drink alcohol in breach of the order, and to surrender any alcohol in their possession for disposal. Persons guilty of such offences are liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale (currently up to £500). Offences may also be disposed of by way of a fixed penalty notice of up to £100, payable to the local authority.

What is proposed:

It is proposed to consult on whether these orders are extended.

List of proposed changes: Summary

No changes to existing provisions.

How you can find out more

Visit Public spaces protection orders or contact Licensing@dacorum.gov.uk if you have any questions.

What happens next?

Once the consultation ends on Wednesday 7 February 2024 (midnight), we will consider all the responses received and prepare a report.

The consultation will help us reach a decision about whether or not to extend these orders for a further three years from 6 April 2024.

The report will be available to everyone that takes part in the consultation and a copy will be published on our website.