Plymouth asked to shape alcohol public space rules

Plymouth residents, businesses and community organisations are being asked whether a city-wide order used to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour should stay in place for another three years.

Plymouth City Council has opened a consultation on the future of the Public Spaces Protection Order, known as a PSPO, before the current order expires in October 2026. Feedback is open until 21 June 2026.

The order applies across the whole city. It is designed to deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public places, rather than to target any specific group or neighbourhood.

At a glance

• Consultation area: all of Plymouth
• Current order expires: October 2026
• Proposed extension: a further three years
• Feedback deadline: 21 June 2026
• Who can respond: residents, businesses, partner bodies and local organisations

Powers used to tackle alcohol-related disorder

The Public Spaces Protection Order gives authorised officers powers to intervene where alcohol is believed to be linked to anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

Under the order, officers can ask a person to stop drinking alcohol. They can also require alcohol to be surrendered if they believe it may contribute to disorder or behaviour that affects others using the area.

The PSPO was first introduced in Plymouth in 2020 and renewed in 2023. The council is now reviewing whether it remains effective enough to continue beyond its current expiry date.

Consultation focuses on safety, impact and format

The consultation asks people to give views on how the current order is working in practice. Plymouth City Council is seeking feedback on whether people feel affected by, or concerned about, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

It also asks whether the PSPO should be extended for another three years. If people support an extension, the council wants views on whether the order should remain in its current form.

That feedback will be used to help decide whether the order is renewed after October 2026.

Residents, workers and organisations can respond

The consultation is open to people who live in Plymouth, work in the city, run businesses there, spend time in public spaces, or represent organisations with an interest in community safety.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, said alcohol-related anti-social behaviour can affect everyday life, including how safe residents feel in their neighbourhoods and how welcoming public spaces are for businesses and visitors.

He said the order had helped the council respond to those issues, but added that it was time to listen to local experiences before deciding what happens next.

Feedback closes on 21 June

People who want their views included need to respond before the consultation deadline on 21 June 2026. The council says responses will inform the decision on whether to renew the PSPO beyond October 2026.

Source: Plymouth City Council