Ipswich alcohol order consultation to launch next week

Why it matters: The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) — which covers all public spaces across the borough — is due to expire on 16 November 2026. Without an extension, officers would lose the power to confiscate alcohol and issue fines to those drinking anti-socially in public places.

The details: The council's Executive agreed on Tuesday, 16 June, to consult on whether the order should be extended for a further three years. The eight-week consultation will run from 23 June to 11 August 2026 and will seek views from residents, businesses, community groups and partner agencies.

• The order does not ban drinking in public outright. Under its terms, authorised officers — including police officers, police community support officers, council officers, My Local Bobby and council contractors — can require a person to stop consuming alcohol in a public space if their behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, a nuisance.
• Those who refuse can face a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, or prosecution resulting in a fine.
• The order does not apply to licensed premises, beer gardens or pavement seating areas covered by a licence.

For context: The order has been in place in some form since 1 December 2007, when the original Ipswich Designated Public Places Order came into effect. It was most recently extended in 2023 and converted to a PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Who will be consulted: The council proposes to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including Suffolk Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner, ward councillors, Suffolk County Council, town centre businesses, licensed premises, homelessness and substance misuse organisations, including the Salvation Army and Turning Point, residents and community groups.

What's next: Following the consultation, the results — alongside an evidence report on the extent of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Ipswich — will return to the Executive and full council for a final decision on whether to extend the order.

The consultation will be promoted via social media campaigns, an online survey, press releases and direct engagement with interested parties. A paper survey option will also be available.

The bottom line: Residents and businesses now have eight weeks to have their say on whether the borough's public drinking powers should continue, with the council saying the order is key to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment across Ipswich.

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