Addressing antisocial behaviour – the purpose of our PSPO

One of the council’s key ambitions is to make Thanet a safer and cleaner place to live in, work in or visit. This is outlined in the council’s corporate priorities. The combined Alcohol & Antisocial Behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), approved by Cabinet on Thursday 25 July 2024, is a positive step towards this ambition. 

Previously, two separate PSPOs were in place; one related to alcohol and another one related to antisocial behaviour. The intention is to combine them.

Recent media coverage relating to the restrictions included in the PSPO has focused on the use of foul language. The restriction included in the PSPO does not relate to swearing in general. It refers specifically to foul language that causes alarm or distress to other people. This is not a new restriction, it has been in place since 2018 when the Antisocial Behaviour PSPO was first introduced.

The PSPO, as currently drafted, will be reviewed further by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel. The PSPO has not been put into place yet.

The combined PSPO includes an expanded range of negative behaviours, and now covers Birchington, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. The first step will be an education and behaviour change approach, but if this is not successful, enforcement can follow. 

A newsroom article was published on Thursday 25 July 2024, outlining the key points contained in the PSPO. 

The council engages and consults with the public on lots of decisions before they are made and feedback helps to shape decision-making. The plans for this PSPO were shared in advance, including on social media, and the majority of people who gave feedback agreed or strongly agreed with the proposed rules. 

Anyone who is interested in current consultations can find out more on the council’s website  or Your Voice Thanet.