Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2020  give powers to the Council to designate a public place by order if nuisance or annoyance to members of the public or disorder has been linked with the consumption of alcohol in that place.

In a designated place, an authorised officer may require a person not to consume alcohol and to surrender anything the officer reasonably believes to be alcohol. A person commits an offence if they do not comply with such a request.

The maximum fine for this offence is currently £500.

A designated public place order does not prevent members of the public consuming alcohol. The powers the police have under the order are discretionary. The police would not normal request someone to stop drinking in the public place if they were doing so responsibly.

The following PSPOs are currently in place

•  Newport (PDF, 1.57Mb, 2 pages) 
•  Ryde (PDF, 1.13Mb, 2 pages) 
•  Lake (PDF, 360Kb, 2 pages) 
•  Sandown (PDF, 11MB)
•  Shanklin (PDF, 1MB)
•  East Cowes (PDF , 650Kb, 2 pages) 
•  Freshwater/Totland (PDF, 1.48Mb, 2 pages)  

Consultation launched on extending enforcement powers to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were introduced in areas of

• East Cowes
• Freshwater
• Totland
• Lake
• Newport
• Ryde
• Sandown 
• Shanklin

to deal with those creating a nuisance or disorder in communities as a result of alcohol consumption.

The current orders are set to expire in July 2025, and the Isle of Wight Council is considering extending them for another three years, potentially until 2028.

It has launched a public consultation to gather opinions on whether the existing measures should remain unchanged or be modified. The consultation will be open until 26 March 2025.

PSPOs are not a blanket ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces. They are designed to tackle anti-social behaviour related to drinking in public spaces in designated areas.

The option for people to drink responsibly is retained, while PSPOs are there to support the council and police in working together to tackle anti-social behaviour and support community safety.

Offenders may be asked to stop drinking, and if they refuse, their alcohol can be seized, and they may face fines or other legal consequences.

The consultation is open to everyone and starts on 12 February 2025 and closes on 26 March 2025. All feedback, both positive and constructive, is welcome.