Council renews Public Spaces Protection Orders in Bath and Midsomer Norton

Bath & North East Somerset Council has renewed two legal orders aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour linked to alcohol possession and consumption in the centres of Bath and Midsomer Norton.

The Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) allow the council and Avon & Somerset Police to continue addressing alcohol-related antisocial behaviour to ensure public safety.

Following unanimous approval by councillors, the orders have been extended for another three years until September 2027.

The decision comes after a public consultation was held in August in which residents’ feedback showed strong support for their renewal.

The legal definition of Public Places means the proposed PSPO would include car parks to which the public have access and public parks, as well as other public spaces such as streets.

While it is not an offence to drink alcohol within these areas, PSPOs target antisocial behaviour in public places that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. The orders empower authorised officers to request individuals to stop drinking or surrender alcohol if their behaviour is likely to cause, or is suspected of leading to, harassment, alarm, distress, or disorder.

Image: Bath Abbey & Guildhall 

Anyone who fails to comply with an authorised officer's request to stop drinking or surrender alcohol without reasonable excuse could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The renewal of the PSPOs reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our city and town centres. Street drinking that leads to antisocial behaviour poses a risk to public safety and residents’ quality of life. The PSPOs will enable us and the police to continue to take action against those whose behaviour threatens the peace and security of our neighbourhoods.

“Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and concerns in our consultation and helped us continue to ensure that the needs of the community are at the forefront of our decisions.”

Public Places are defined as those to which the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission.