Council agrees new rules to tackle antisocial behaviour in Thanet

A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and alcohol related disorder has been approved by Cabinet at a meeting on Thursday 25 July.

The new PSPO replaces and combines the existing Alcohol and Antisocial Behaviour PSPOs, which both come to the end of their three year lifespan in July 2024. The new PSPO will see an expansion to the existing prohibited behaviour introduced to help reduce the amount of ASB at key areas in the district.

The proposed new PSPO was subject to public consultation in May 2024, and subsequent review by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Tuesday 18 June and Tuesday 16 July 2024. Feedback from this engagement has been used to help shape the final document.

At the Cabinet meeting the following changes were agreed to be incorporated into the new PSPO: 

• The designated area of the new PSPO will target the specific areas of Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, rather than covering the whole of Thanet, so that ‘hot spot’ areas can be tackled more effectively. 
• The new PSPO will be in place for one year, a change from the three-year timespan included in the draft. This is to allow further monitoring and consideration of any necessary targeted adjustments to ensure it remains an effective tool.
• The wording concerning the use of foul language is to be amended to read ‘all persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place.’

The new rules come into force on Wednesday 31 July 2024, unless called in for further scrutiny. The PSPO will be valid for a period of one year, and will apply to anyone in the designated area.

Signs will be installed to explain the new rules and Enforcement officers will have the authority to enforce the new rules and issue Fixed Penalty Notices. The penalty is £100 to be paid within 28 days but is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Antisocial behaviour can have a detrimental effect on people’s enjoyment of the place where they live, if it isn’t dealt with. It can also spoil the experience of visitors and holidaymakers. 

“The combined PSPO can tackle an expanded range of negative behaviours. The first step will be an education and behaviour change approach, but if this is not successful, enforcement can follow.

“We know that making Thanet a safer and cleaner place to live in, work in or visit is a top priority for the residents of Thanet, and this new PSPO is a positive step towards this ambition.”

The final PSPO will be published on the council’s website. 

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