Consultation on antisocial behaviour powers in key areas in Thanet

Thanet District Council has launched a consultation on proposals for rules to help reduce antisocial behaviour in key towns across the district.

Two previous Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) related to alcohol and antisocial behaviour came to the end of their three year lifespan in July 2024. 

The proposed PSPOs being put forward aim to reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Thanet’s main towns; Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate and Westgate-on-Sea.  

The orders apply to behaviour in public spaces. Public spaces mean any place that is open and accessible to people in the areas referred to. This can mean roads, high streets, the beach and parks.    

There are seven orders proposed. These are all similar to orders that were in force previously. They relate to different types of antisocial behaviour:

• groups congregating and causing harassment, alarm or distress to other people
• misuse of public spaces
• using foul or abusive language within the hearing or sight of another person who is likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress by this
• urinating, defecating or spitting in a public place
• taking psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide
• being abusive to others or behaving in a way that is likely to cause them to feel humiliated or degraded
• using alcohol in a public space if behaving in a way that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress

If agreed, these rules will come into force this summer for a period of three years, and would apply to anyone in the district of Thanet. Enforcement officers will have the authority to enforce the rules and issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN). The penalty is £100 to be paid within 28 days but is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

As part of the process to introduce the PSPO, the council is conducting a public consultation to give key stakeholders, including local residents, the opportunity to comment on the proposals, and to help shape the PSPO before it is presented to Councillors for approval.

It is important that everyone knows what to expect once the PSPO is implemented, to make sure that the PSPO achieves its goals.

The consultation is open for four weeks, from Friday 23 May 2025 to 5pm on Friday 20 June 2025.

Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We have seen how antisocial behaviour can affect the quality of life for people living in our community, and that unchecked, nuisance issues can escalate. This proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covers a number of behaviours enforceable by law, aiming to create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone living, working, or visiting Thanet. 

“I would strongly encourage residents to participate in the consultation, as addressing this issue is a key priority for this council. It reflects feedback we receive each year from residents that feeling safe is important to them, and is in line with our commitment to keeping Thanet safe and clean.”

Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, Kent Police said: “Having a PSPO in place enables us to better manage antisocial behaviour when it arises. Hearing residents’ views about the proposed orders is key. I would urge everyone to review the proposal and share their feedback.” 

The draft PSPO document and consultation feedback questions are available on Your Voice Thanet, the council’s online engagement platform: YourVoice.Thanet.gov.uk

Following the consultation, and consideration by Councillors, if the PSPO is agreed, signs will be installed in the areas the orders cover, to explain the rules.

Further information about antisocial behaviour and PSPOs is available on the council’s website.