Anti-social drinking powers set for three-year extension

Why it matters: The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covers every public space in Ipswich and expires on 16 November 2026. Council officers have recommended extending it, warning that without it, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour could not be challenged unless it met "the threshold of being criminal activity in nature".

The details: The order does not prohibit drinking in public places. Instead, it is an offence to fail to stop drinking or to surrender alcohol when asked to by an authorised officer.

• The order can be enforced by: council officers, police officers, police community support officers, My Local Bobby officers and specifically authorised council contractors.
• Breaching the order can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or prosecution resulting in a fine.
• Premises and areas covered by a licence allowing the consumption of alcohol, such as beer gardens and pavement seating areas, are exempt.
• The council report states the powers "are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities for example, families having a picnic in a park with a glass of wine."

By the numbers: The council's evidence report, which draws on data from Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Constabulary, found that alcohol-related incidents continue to occur across the borough.

• Suffolk Constabulary recorded 235 alcohol-related incidents between 1 January 2023 and 28 February 2026, while the council recorded 15.
• The most police-recorded incidents happened on Thursdays (50), and 166 (71%) happened in the afternoon or evening.
• The report's year-on-year comparison shows recorded incidents fell from 145 in 2021 to 72 in 2025.

The report says this reduction "should not be interpreted as the issue having been resolved", adding that "it is reasonable to conclude that the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has played an important role in enabling authorities to manage and respond to alcohol-related anti-social behaviour effectively."

What they're saying: Councillor George Lankester, 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."

For context: The order dates back to 1 December 2007, when it came into effect as the Ipswich Designated Public Places Order. It was later converted into a PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which limits each extension to a maximum of three years.

What's next: The Executive will consider the report at 18:00 on Tuesday, 3 November. It is being asked to recommend that full council extends the order "for a further 3 years" at its meeting on Wednesday, 18 November.

If the extension is agreed the council must put up signs in the public places it covers.

The bottom line: Ipswich's public drinking powers look set to stay for another three years, with officers pointing to 235 police-recorded incidents since 2023 and near-unanimous consultation backing.

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