What is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)?
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO's). PSPO's are used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in a locality and which is (or is likely to be) of a persistent or continuing nature, and unreasonable. Councils can make PSPO's to prohibit specified activities, and/or to require certain things to be done by people engaged in particular activities, within a defined area.
Why is this needed in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Stratford-on-Avon District Council works in partnership with many statutory partners, including Warwickshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils, to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour (ASB). Over the last three years, the Council and Police have received an increasing number of reports from residents regarding alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
The Council have held discussions with Warwickshire Police regarding the criminal and anti-social behaviour taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon, to look at the best way to tackle it. From these discussions, the Council believes that a PSPO is an appropriate and necessary tool for local agencies to reduce incidents of those listed above.
Result of consultation
The PSPO consultation took place between Tuesday 5th March to Wednesday 8th May 2024. 188 responses were received though the consultation that took place online via the Stratford District Council website.
91.6% of responses were in favour of the PSPO, 8.4% were against it.
180 people agreed on a ban on those drinking alcohol and acting in an antisocial manner within the defined area 180 (96.3%) 7 (3.7%)
Condition of PSPO
The PSPO condition -
• Anywhere within the boundaries of the Restricted Area, Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers and any other person duly authorised by the Council are hereby authorised to require a person to stop drinking alcohol and surrender any alcohol container in their possession, where anti-social behaviour is occurring, or in their reasonable belief is likely to occur.
The PSPO was approved by Stratford-on-Avon District Council Regulatory Committee on Thursday 5th December and sealed on 30th March 2025.
Please follow link to view the approved order - Sealed Stratford-upon-Avon PSPO
What is the area covered by the PSPO?
The boundary of PSPO covers Stratford-upon-Avon (see map below for designated area) As part of the consultation, the Council will also take into account the requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. This legislation includes the right to lawful assembly, and the right to freedom of expression.
What are the Penalties for those breaching the conditions?
A person who commits an offence in breach of the PSPO conditions may be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 (£50 if paid within 10 days). If a person fails to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice they may be issued with a Court Summons where, upon conviction, the following fines may be incurred: Breach of alcohol restriction up to £500 or Breach of other requirements up to £1,000.
How To Pay a Fixed Penalty Notice
You must pay the Penalty Notice within 14 days of the date of issue. If you pay within 10 days of the date of issue, the penalty notice will be reduced to £50. If you or anyone else choose to pay the penalty within 14 days, no further action will be taken against the person named in respect of the specific offence committed. Payment can be made by credit or debit card by telephoning 01789 260979 quoting your ticket number, or online at www.stratford.gov.uk/payments/
If you fail to pay within 14 days you may be charged with an offence and summoned to appear before a Magistrates' Court to answer charges relating to the offence. The maximum fine upon summary conviction ranges from £500 - £1,000 for Public Spaces Protection Order offences.
Further Information
Please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions in the first instance - Stratford-upon-Avon PSPO - Frequently asked questions
If you require a paper copy of the documents or wish to discuss this further, please either:
Telephone: 01789 267575 or e-mail: community.safety@stratford-dc.gov.uk
