Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

What is a PSPO?

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a rule made by the council to help keep public places safe. PSPOs are used to stop anti-social behaviour, like drinking alcohol in a way that causes problems for others.

Where are PSPOs in place on the Island?

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2020

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2020 give powers to the Council to designate a public place by order if nuisance or annoyance to members of the public or disorder has been linked with the consumption of alcohol in that place.

In a designated place, an authorised officer may require a person not to consume alcohol and to surrender anything the officer reasonably believes to be alcohol. A person commits an offence if they do not comply with such a request.

The maximum fine for this offence is currently £500.

A designated public place order does not prevent members of the public consuming alcohol. The powers the police have under the order are discretionary. The police would not normal request someone to stop drinking in the public place if they were doing so responsibly.

Learn more about the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2020 

What do the rules mean?

  • you can drink alcohol in these areas, but if you cause a problem, a police officer or council officer can ask you to stop and take your drink away
  • if you do not follow their request, you could get a fine of up to £500
  • the rules are there to help everyone enjoy public spaces safely

Consultation Closed: Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The Isle of Wight Council asked for public feedback on extending enforcement powers to help tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

These rules were already in place in:

  • East Cowes
  • Freshwater
  • Totland
  • Lake
  • Newport
  • Ryde
  • Sandown
  • Shanklin

Why was the consultation held?

The current PSPOs are due to end in July 2025. The council wanted to know if people think the rules should stay the same, be changed, or be extended for another three years (until 2028).

The consultation ran from 12 February to 26 March 2025 and is now closed.

What happens next?

The council will now review all the feedback and decide whether to extend or change the PSPOs. Updates will be shared on this website once a decision is made.

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