Rules banning anti-social drinking to be extended

Rules blocking anti-social drinking across several towns in Kent have been approved, but councillors insisted it was "not a blanket ban" on drinking alcohol in public.

Dover District Council (DDC) said people could still "drink a glass of prosecco" on beaches in Dover, Deal and Walmer as long as they behave responsibly.

The authority had been seeking to renew its Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), first implemented in 2022 and set to expire later this month.

Council leader Kevin Mills said it would help prevent "shocking scenes of seaside disorder and violence", such as those that occurred in Broadstairs recently.

DDC's cabinet approved the PSPO extension at a meeting on Monday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

The rules make it an offence to refuse to stop drinking in public or hand over alcohol bottles when requested by police or an authorised council officer.

A council officer said more than 50% of respondents to the public consultation had opposed the extension, but he believed this was due to them mistakenly believing it was a total ban on drinking alcohol in public places.

He said the areas covered, such as Pencester Gardens and St James' Church ruins in Dover, were supported by Kent Police data.

Councillor Michael Nee said at the meeting: "Social media has taken Deal beach as an area where people want to drink a glass of prosecco perhaps – but it's clearly not a blanket ban, people drinking responsibly would not be targeted."

If police officers or authorised council personnel see people drinking irresponsibly and engaging in anti-social behaviour, they can demand they stop drinking or leave the area.

The punishment is a £100 fine, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days.

The PSPO also includes provisions on dog control, dog fouling and unauthorised camping across the entire district.

However, an officer said unauthorised camping provisions would not be used to target the homeless and the council would "always try to provide welfare support first".

The new PSPO will come into force from 27 July, lasting three years.

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