PEOPLE are being asked to give their views on plans to renew an order to curb antisocial street drinking in Basingstoke town centre to keep it a safe and welcoming place.  

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is proposing to renew the public space protection order for the town centre area to 'stand firm on its robust approach to drinking-related antisocial behaviour'.  

The order was put in place in November 2021 and makes it an offence to continue to drink alcohol in designated areas after being asked to stop by officers from the police or council. Those who don’t comply could receive an on-the-spot fine of £100 or a £1,000 fine if convicted by a magistrates’ court. 

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Sign detailing the street drinking ban (Image: Newsquest) Originally in place for three years, the order is now due for renewal and the council is asking residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre whether there is support for the order to continue for another three years. 

The public space protection order covers the town centre, War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park, Glebe Gardens, Holy Ghost Cemetery and small sections of Brookvale, Norden and Eastrop. This is based on evidence of areas where alcohol-related antisocial behaviour has been reported to the police or the council and has had a negative impact on businesses, visitors or residents in the town. 

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Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, Cllr John McKay, said: “Three years ago the council worked with the police to respond to issues with alcohol-related antisocial behaviour in and around the town centre area. The public space protection order was introduced to give us greater powers to take action to stamp out this behaviour. 

"As a council we are working hard to encourage more people into our town centre and we are keen to hear views on the renewal of this order, which aims to help our town centre to continue to be a safe and welcoming place to visit during the day and in the evening." 

For more information, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/alcohol-pspo, where comments can be made until midnight on Sunday, August 18.