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A new public spaces protection order in Preston will seek to address crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
The goal of the order is to challenge persistent behaviour that has a detrimental effect on other people, the council said.
Rules included for the city centre will aim to prevent people from drinking alcohol unless in a lawful premises, prevent people from ingesting intoxicating substances, prevent people from defecating and prevent people from occupying a tent.
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Public Space Protection Orders should not be used to stop people, including youths, from everyday socialising nor should homeless people be targeted purely because they are homeless.
Freddie Bailey, cabinet member for environment and community safety at Preston City Council, said: “As we approach the festive season, it’s vital that people in the city centre feel safe to enjoy themselves. By collaborating with Preston Police, the Council will be able to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance public safety.
“This will be the first order of its kind to be introduced into Preston and this new enforcement initiative demonstrates our joint commitment to keeping the city centre an attractive place to visit.”
“Prior to the PSPO’s introduction, authorised officers of the Council will advise residents and visitors about the new measures and the implications of breaching the order.
“When the order commences, the Police and Council officers will work jointly to give official warnings for breaches of the order and to report serious or repeat violations for enforcement, including £100 fixed penalty fines.
Dave Byrne, neighbourhood policing inspector for Preston, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a profound impact on people’s lives.
“As part of Operation Centurion, our force response to tackling anti-social behaviour, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who live in, work and visit Preston can feel safe and enjoy their time here.”
Under Sections 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, the PSPO will enforce the following:
No persons shall consume alcohol or have an open alcohol container within the Prohibition Area marked red on the plan after having been requested by an Authorised Officer to cease consumption of alcohol or hand over the container (unless in an otherwise lawful premises).
No persons shall ingest, inhale, inject, smoke, or otherwise use intoxicating substances within the Prohibition Area. Intoxicating substances being defined as substances with the capacity to stimulate or depress the central nervous system or psychoactive substances – but does not include tobacco or prescription medication.
No persons shall urinate or defecate in any public place (other than a public toilet) within the Prohibition Area.
No persons shall discard hypodermic needles or syringes in any public place within the Prohibition Area (except in an appropriate sharp container).
No persons shall occupy a tent or other temporary structure within the Prohibition Area in a manner likely to create a health and safety risk for other people.
No persons shall obstruct a building entrance or exit, stairwell, or highway in the Prohibition Area after being asked to move by an authorised officer.
The area covered by the PSPO:
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