Public backing for new antisocial behaviour powers heading to Cabinet

Proposals for a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) designed to tackle antisocial behaviour across Thanet will be considered by Cabinet members at a meeting on Thursday 25 June 2026. 

If approved, the order will introduce targeted restrictions to curb alcohol-related disorder, public urination, and defecation for a period of three years with implementation proposed to start from Wednesday 1 July 2026. 

This follows a comprehensive 30-day public consultation that concluded on Monday 1 June 2026. There were over 370 responses and local residents, businesses, and community groups demonstrated overwhelming support for the drafted order.

Responses were carefully analysed alongside evidence from Kent Police and the council’s Community Safety team, who have reported growing challenges with managing alcohol-related nuisance since last summer.

An incremental approach has been suggested to target the most heavily affected areas. Under the proposed order, the measures are designed to be both proportionate and effective:

• Margate and Ramsgate town centres: A year-round blanket ban on the consumption of alcohol in the restricted areas identified: Margate High Street and Ramsgate High Street. 
• Other restricted areas (Margate and Cliftonville West, Ramsgate and Broadstairs – as identified on the maps contained within the order): Prohibitions on antisocial behaviour related to alcohol, failing to surrender an alcohol container when required to do so by an authorised officer, and urinating or defecating in any public place other than a serviced public convenience. 

In response to the consultation feedback, the maps accompanying the order have been refined to ensure the boundary lines are clear. 

Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. Our communities deserve safe, clean, and welcoming public spaces, and this overwhelming support shows how passionate local people are about protecting their environment. 

“If Cabinet agrees to implement these proposals, our safety teams and the police will have an effective tool to address persistent issues impacting our towns. We have listened closely to feedback, and while enforcement would always be a last resort, these measures could significantly improve the quality of life across Thanet.”