Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) consultation 2025: Public Place Drinking (Worthing)
Overview
Worthing Borough Council would like your views on the renewal of a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) prohibiting the consumption of alcohol where it is believed it will give rise to anti-social behaviour. The current PSPO expires on 20th August 2025 and we're looking to renew it for three years until 20th August 2028.
The PSPO gives the police and authorised officers of the council borough-wide powers to confiscate alcohol from a minority of drinkers whose excessive drinking causes problems for others in public spaces. This power was previously provided under a Designated Public Place Order introduced in Worthing in 2005. In 2016, this was converted into the PSPO as required by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Act requires the order to be reviewed after three years and the council is now seeking views on a further three year extension.
The PSPO is one in a range of tools and powers the councils' use to keep everyone who lives, works and visits Worthing, safe. These powers are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities and are used explicitly for addressing nuisance or annoyance associated with the consumption of alcohol in a public place. It is not a criminal offence to consume alcohol within a designated area. An offence is only committed if the individual refuses to comply with an authorised officer's request to stop drinking.
These powers have been used successfully as part of a multi-agency approach to tackle the nuisance and disorder that can be caused by a minority of individuals who do not drink responsibly in our public spaces. Having the power to ask someone to refrain from drinking alcohol has been a key part of preventing the escalation of crime and disorder across Worthing since 2005.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do we need a PSPO for drinking?
Excessive drinking can lead to behaviours that make people feel intimidated and unsafe; rowdy behaviour, noise nuisance, public urination and littering. When these behaviours arise, authorities need to be able to respond swiftly and prevent them escalating. Being able to prevent continued drinking is an effective, low level intervention. - Does this mean it would be illegal to drink in public?
No. The PSPO is not designed to interfere with peaceful activities. It is used to tackle anti-social behaviour. If an authorised officer believes the consumption of alcohol will lead to rowdy, nuisance or anti-social behaviour, they will have the power to issue a direction to stop further drinking and confiscate the alcohol. - How would the PSPO be enforced?
- Breach of a PSPO occurs when a person does not comply with the requirement made under the order.
- Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence subject to, up to a level three fine on prosecution (up to £1,000).
- A fixed penalty notice can be issued for £75 for failing to comply with an officer's request to stop drinking or hand over the alcohol.
- Payment of the fixed penalty notice discharges liability to conviction for the offence.
- What about drinking alcohol outside pubs and bars?
The order is not designed to interfere with the conditions that apply to licensed premises. However, drinking beyond the legal boundary of the premises would mean that the order applies and an authorised officer would have the power to issue a requirement under the order.
Tell us what you think
We are currently reviewing the PSPO and would like to hear your views. Please complete the survey below and provide us with your feedback.
Deadline for comments: 10th June 2025
If you have any further questions, please email:
Page last updated: 28 April 2025