Responsible Alcohol Consumption Public Spaces Protection Order Consultation
We are seeking your views on whether the council should renew the Responsible Alcohol Consumption Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
PSPOs help tackle anti-social behaviour and protect public spaces for everyone. They are not intended to stop people from using and enjoying public spaces responsibly. Instead, they provide authorised officers with powers to address the small minority of individuals whose behaviour negatively affects others.
The Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO was introduced in 2020 and is now due for review. Your feedback will help us decide whether the PSPO should be renewed for a further three years and whether any changes should be made.
The consultation opens on the 31 July 2026 and closes on the 9 September 2026.
You can find a draft proposed renewal here Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO (Draft)
Background to the current Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO
In 2020, we consulted residents on introducing a Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO. The order gives authorised council officers and the Police powers to ask people to stop drinking alcohol in public spaces when their drinking is causing, or is likely to cause, anti-social behaviour.
In 2023, we consulted on this PSPO again in order to renew the order. There was strong support for the proposal, with 90% of respondents in favour.
Evidence from both the council and the police shows that street drinking linked to anti-social behaviour continues to have a negative impact on residents, visitors and businesses across the borough. This can include:
- Intimidating, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour in public spaces
- Littering in housing estates, residential streets, parks, open spaces and town centres
- Behaviour that negatively effects local businesses and customers in commercial areas
- Increased risks to vulnerable people who engage in frequent street drinking, potentially causing harm to themselves or others
The proposed renewal would continue to give authorised officers powers to intervene where alcohol consumption is contributing to anti-social behaviour.
If an authorised officer believes alcohol consumption is causing, or is likely to cause, anti-social behaviour, they may require a person to stop drinking or surrender any alcohol in their possession. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.
What the PSPO covers
The council is proposing to renew the current Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO which states that:
- If an authorised officer asks you to stop drinking in a public place, you must do so.
- If an authorised officer asks you to hand over any alcohol containers (whether opened or unopened), you must do so if they reasonably believe the container contains alcohol.
- Any alcohol surrendered to an authorised officer will be emptied and disposed of.
These powers will only be used where an authorised officer reasonably believes that alcohol consumption is contributing to, or is likely to contribute to, anti-social behaviour, public nuisance or disorder.
Exemptions
The PSPO does not apply to:
- Premises licensed to sell or supply alcohol under a premises licence.
- Premises authorised to supply alcohol under a club premises certificate.
Where the PSPO applies
The PSPO applies to all public spaces within the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
How the PSPO is enforced
If someone fails to comply with the PSPO after being asked to do so by an authorised council officer or Police officer, they may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.
Failure to pay the penalty may result in prosecution through the courts.
A person will not be liable if they:
- Have a reasonable excuse, or
- Are covered by one of the exemptions set out within the order
How long will the PSPO last?
PSPOs can remain in force for a maximum of three years at a time.
The council is proposing to renew the Responsible Alcohol Consumption PSPO for a further three years, subject to the outcome of this consultation.
Have your say
We want to ensure that the PSPO remains both effective and proportionate. Your views will help us decide whether the current restrictions should continue and whether any changes are needed.
To take part, please complete the consultation survey before 9 September.
If you have any questions or need support to take part, please contact us at csu@lbhf.gov.uk.
