Press Release:                                                                                    19 July 2023

Should drinking alcohol continue to be banned in Stroud and Dursley town centres?

Everyone who lives, works, or visits Stroud and Dursley town centres is being asked for their views on anti-social behaviour.

Stroud District Council wants to hear from people before deciding whether to extend two Public Space Protection Orders which ban the drinking of alcohol in Stroud and Dursley town centres.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is used to address a particular nuisance in a defined public space, where that behaviour is having a negative impact on the quality of life for people in that public space. Breaking a PSPO is a criminal offence and can lead to a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

Cllr Beki Aldam, Chair of SDC Community Services & Licensing Committee said:
“One of the priorities of our Council Plan is community resilience and wellbeing, and working to reduce the impacts and causes of anti-social behaviour.

“The current PSPOs were put in place after consulting with members of the community and partners in an effort to keep our two largest town centres pleasant places for everyone.”

Vice Chair, Cllr Trevor Hall added:
“The Council Plan also prioritises economic recovery by supporting our high streets and businesses. I urge anyone who lives, works, or visits Stroud and Dursley to give us their views so we can continue to grow sustainable economies.”

PSPOs can remain in place for up to three years and must be reviewed before being extended. The current orders were extended in 2020 and will expire on 19 October 2023.

The consultation period will end on 31 August 2023. Full details on how to respond are at https://www.stroud.gov.uk/PSPOs

There are also details of how to respond to another PSPO consultation relating to controlling dogs in public which ends on 18 August.

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ENDS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Stroud District Council is led by a co-operative alliance of the Green, Independent Left, Community Independent and Liberal Democrat Groups.

For media inquiries contact: pressoffice@stroud.gov.uk

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