A city wide Public Space Protection Order has been in operation in Wolverhampton since March 2017, giving police powers to stop people from drinking and to surrender alcohol if they are causing, or likely to cause, anti social behaviour.
However, this order was only valid for 3 years, therefore further consultation is required to determine whether the current arrangements should continue.
In addition to the city wide prohibitions, an outright ban on street drinking in St Peter's and Park wards, including the city centre, is being sought. These measures were included in the original order and are being sought once more in response to local concerns and to continue the robust approach which has previously been taken.
The only exceptions would be for licensed premises within these wards which have beer gardens or pavement seating areas, and for temporary public events which have received prior approval from the council's Licensing team.
The proposals are subject to a 4 week period of consultation which is now underway. People can have their say by completing a short survey at Wolverhampton Citywide Public Space Protection Order. The closing date for comments is Monday 29 June, 2020.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "The Public Space Protection Order granted in 2017 has generally had a very positive impact on addressing the issue of people drinking in the streets in and around Wolverhampton, and we want police to continue having these powers which they can use on a discretionary basis to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol consumption.
“There are still concerns about street drinking in St Peter's and Park wards and within the city centre. Residents and businesses indicate a more robust response is needed in these locations.
"We are therefore proposing the continuation of additional prohibition in the St Peter's and Park wards, including the city centre, to ban drinking in the streets totally.
"This proposal has the full support of police and will help the council meet its priorities of keeping the city clean and safe, by reducing alcohol-related litter and tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting businesses and encouraging investment by improving the city's image.”
She added: “The existing controls will of course still apply city wide, but this move will enable the authorities to use stronger powers in those areas where most complaints have been received.”
