The PSPO gives the police and authorised officers of the council powers to confiscate alcohol from people whose excessive drinking causes problems for others in public spaces.
The Order was agreed at Cabinet on17 July 2024 and came into effect on 24 July 2024 for a period of three years.
Signed Alcohol control area PSPO
Area covered by the alcohol control order
The proposed PSPO covers land open to public access across Norwich city centre.
Map of the area covered by the alcohol control order
How the alcohol control order will be enforced
If the person breaching the PSPO fails to comply with the requirements of the order, they will be issued with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (reduced to £70 if paid within 10 days). The individual will be taken to court if the fine is not paid within 14 days. A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine up to £1000.
The PSPO will be enforced by the Police and authorised officers of Norwich City Council.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
We’ve pulled together some FAQs about the alcohol control order that we hope will be useful:
What are the concerns and issues with street drinking/drinking in public spaces?
Street drinking is sometimes associated with anti-social behaviour, causing high levels of noise, rowdy and nuisance behaviour, harassment and intimidation of passers-by, as well as the littering of cans and bottles and urination in public spaces.
Can I be stopped or arrested for carrying alcohol in public spaces?
A PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place; as long as drinking is done responsibly, a PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder. Under these circumstances police will have the power to stop people drinking alcohol and seize or confiscate alcohol within the controlled area.
Would people still be able to drink or hold alcohol bottles outside pubs?
The PSPO does not make it illegal to drink alcohol in a public place. However, if a person was to drink beyond the legal boundary of a licensed premises and they do not stop drinking if asked to do so by an authorised officer they could be at risk of regulation. A PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related antisocial behaviour or disorder.
What about street parties and events in parks?
Events within a public place authorised by a premises license or a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) will be excluded from the Police and authorised council officers PSPO powers.
A PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place; as long as drinking is done responsibly, a PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related antisocial behaviour or disorder. Under these circumstances police will have the power to stop people drinking alcohol and seize or confiscate alcohol within the controlled area.
Does the PSPO ban drinking alcohol in public spaces?
It is not an offence to consume alcohol within the PSPO, however; an authorised person can require a person to stop consuming what they believe to be alcohol and require that person to surrender any alcohol or container they believe contains alcohol. The person must be informed that failure to comply with the officers requirement is an offence. The authorised person may dispose of the liquid in anyway way they think is appropriate.
