Anti Social Behaviour Market Cross. PSPO
Residents are reminded of the PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) that was implemented in July 2021 by Somerset County Council. The PSPO extends through the whole of Mendip and covers all intoxicating substances – drugs and alcohol.
It’s important to note that the PSPO is not an alcohol exclusion zone – the mere possession of alcohol within the restricted area is not an offence. The PSPO does not restrict or prohibit families having a picnic in a park for example.
The PSPO provides powers to any authorised person dealing with those involved in ASB / likely to be involved in ASB, having consumed alcohol. The council have devolved powers to Police and PCSO for this purpose.
Under the PSPO an authorised person may request a person consuming alcohol to stop and give up the alcohol to the authorised person. If they do not, they are committing an offence and will be reported to the council who have powers to impose fines on those in breach of the PSPO. If they do, but are seen again in the same day drinking alcohol there is an automatic breach.
This is in addition to other Police powers used to manage alcohol related ASB in public spaces.
Find out more about Somerset CC Public Space Protection Orders;
Actions
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16 May 2024
Shepton Town Council events often include licensable events such as live and recorded music and the sale and consumption of alcohol. Such events require a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). The area then holds a temporary licence. Outside of these times the PSPO is in place. The PSPO is also in place in locations not covered by the TEN. Please be respectful of the PSPO in these circumstances.
Police have seized open containers of alcohol from street drinkers at the Market Cross.
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26 March 2024
Proactive patrols continue in Market Place. Police continue to challenge alcohol related Anti-Social behaviour.
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22 January 2024
Please be aware that Somerset Council have added additional orders to the Public Space Protection order that covers the whole of Somerset. These additional orders enable the safe management of specific places and issues in locations which see an increased amount of public traffic at certain times of the year.
No additional orders exist for Shepton Mallet at this time