Drinking alcohol in public spaces

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. What you need to know
  3. Penalties
  4. See the Public Spaces Protection Order

Overview

There are rules around drinking alcohol in public spaces in South Tyneside. 

There is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place.

This is in place to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime, and to improve the quality of life of people living in the area.

This PSPO was valid for three years from May 2021 to May 2024 but has been extended for an extra three years until May 2027.

What you need to know

You must stop consuming alcohol in public spaces if asked to by a Police Officer, a Police Community Support Officer or an authorised officer of the Council.

They may also ask you to surrender the alcohol, or the alcohol container.

This applies to anything that they reasonably believe to be alcohol, or an alcohol container. 

This applies to all public land in South Tyneside.

Penalties

If you ignore this PSPO, you are committing an offence and could be fined.

The fine (or 'Fixed Penalty Notice') is £100, or £50 if paid within 7 days.

PSPOs can be enforced by the Police, Police Community Support Officers and any authorised officer of the Council.

If you don't pay the fine, you could be prosecuted. 

More about Public Spaces Protection Orders.

See the Public Spaces Protection Order

Public Spaces Protection Order: Alcohol consumption in public places