Ipswich Borough Council is set to consider extending its borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour after receiving overwhelming support in a public consultation.
If approved, the order would be extended for a further three years from 18 November 2026.
The PSPO does not prevent people from drinking alcohol in public places, but gives police and authorised officers powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. This includes confiscating alcohol and taking enforcement action where individuals refuse to stop drinking when requested to do so.
The consultation attracted 61 responses from residents, employees, business owners and visitors. The results showed strong support for continuing the order:
- 98.4% supported extending the PSPO.
- More than 93% believed it would improve people's experience of Ipswich's public spaces.
- All respondents supported powers for authorised officers to require people to stop drinking and surrender alcohol where anti-social behaviour is occurring.
- 95.1% supported the PSPO applying across the whole borough.
Many respondents said the order would help create a safer, cleaner and more welcoming environment for residents, workers and visitors.
Councillor George Lankester, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Communities said: "The consultation results show strong support for keeping these powers in place. The PSPO is not about stopping responsible drinking. It helps police and authorised officers deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and supports our efforts to keep Ipswich safe and welcoming for everyone."
The Executive will consider the consultation results on Tuesday 3 November before determining whether to recommend the proposed three-year extension to full council for a final decision.