Crackdown on drinking in public proposed

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Northumberland County Council is consulting the public on a proposed countywide order that would restrict alcohol consumption in public spaces where it is likely to cause nuisance or anti-social behaviour, set to begin October 21. If implemented, the order would empower police and council officers to require individuals to stop drinking and surrender alcohol, aiming to improve community safety while exempting licensed venues.

Northumberland County Council is seeking public feedback on proposed countywide restrictions aimed at limiting alcohol consumption in public spaces to address concerns over nuisance and anti-social behaviour. The consultation, which runs until October 9, outlines plans to implement a new public spaces protection order (PSPO) that would take effect on October 21, immediately following the expiration of the existing order.

The proposed PSPO would not impose an outright ban on drinking in public but would prohibit alcohol consumption where it is “reasonably likely” to lead to anti-social behaviour, nuisance, or annoyance to others. The order is intended to cover all public areas within Northumberland, enabling police and authorized council officers to intervene when they believe alcohol consumption breaches the conditions of the order.

Under the proposed rules, enforcement officers could require individuals to cease drinking and surrender any alcohol or containers if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a violation of the PSPO. Authorized personnel include police officers, police community support officers (PCSOs), and council officials. Individuals found breaching the order may face fines, typically starting at approximately £100, with unpaid penalties potentially resulting in prosecution at a magistrates court.

The council has emphasized that the PSPO would include exemptions for licensed venues and other locations where the sale and consumption of alcohol are legally permitted. The legal basis for such orders stems from the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which provides local authorities with tools to address behaviours negatively impacting the quality of life for residents, workers, or visitors in public spaces.

A council spokesperson stated that the order aims to balance public safety and community wellbeing while respecting lawful alcohol consumption within designated premises. The consultation process invites residents and stakeholders to share their views before the council finalizes the decision on implementing the new restrictions.

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