Fylde Borough Council's Public Space Protection Order alcohol-free zones - everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about Fylde's alcohol-free zones...
Residents and visitors in Fylde are being reminded that alcohol-free zones are in place across parts of the borough, with restrictions designed to help people feel safe and comfortable in public spaces.
The designated areas include St Annes Square and surrounding streets, Clifton Square in Lytham and surrounding streets, as well as other designated zones, with the council pushing its message ‘Fancy a drink? Check before you sip!’
The restrictions form part of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), powers introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to address particular nuisances or problems that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in a community.
The orders are designed to prevent individuals or groups from committing anti-social behaviour in public spaces where the behaviour is persistent or continuing and unreasonable. However, the PSPO is not a ban on drinking alcohol and is not intended to disrupt peaceful activities, such as families having a picnic in a park with a glass of wine.
Instead, it is an offence to fail to comply with a request from a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer or authorised Local Authority officer to stop drinking or surrender alcohol within a designated area.
Anyone found to be in breach of the Order can be issued with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or face a maximum penalty of £1,000 on summary conviction. Following a consultation exercise, the orders were reviewed and were due to come into force on October 15, 2023, with a review scheduled for three years later in 2026.
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Until then, PSPOs remain in place but only apply on the request of a Constable. The message to those wanting to enjoy a drink while visiting Fylde is to check whether they are within one of the designated zones before opening a can or bottle.
Visitors and residents are instead encouraged to enjoy Fylde’s pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises, while supporting local businesses.
The restrictions are intended to tackle anti-social behaviour and protect the quality of life of people using public spaces, rather than prevent people from enjoying alcohol responsibly in appropriate settings.