Use this page to find out about current or proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), why we use them, and the responsibilities we have when creating, changing, or extending them.
Why and how we make PSPOs
PSPOs are set up to help prevent anti-social behaviour, or situations which may lead to harassment, alarm, distress, crime or disorder in restricted areas. A PSPO places a restriction on certain activities, such as drinking alcohol, in a particular public space.
Read more about our duties in relation to PSPOs
We have the power to set PSPOs, under the terms of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014. We must comply with these regulations to issue and enforce these orders:
- To consult the public on any proposal to make, change or extend a PSPO.
- To put up notices in the area where the PSPO applies, clearly showing what the restrictions are, when they apply, and the penalty for breaking the order.
- To publish details of the PSPOs which are in force on our website.
Current PSPOs
There are two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) currently in place, to restrict street drinking in the City of Bath and Midsomer Norton town centre.
The areas covered by these restrictions are set out within the boundary on the maps below.
Bath City Centre
Midsomer Norton
To view in greater detail exactly where the zone boundaries are, you can scroll, use the +/- tools, or use two fingers to move the map (if using a touchscreen).
Police and community officers can use the orders to seize and dispose of alcohol which is in an open or closed container where the conditions of the PSPO apply. Exemptions are set out in the Order.
PSPO enforcement
Where an Authorised Officer requires someone to comply with the PSPO and they fail to do so without reasonable excuse, then a criminal offence has been committed which is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
An Authorised Officer may issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 to anyone they have reason to believe has committed an offence in relation to this Order.
How we consult on and renew PSPOs
A PSPO is valid for three years. We have to consult on PSPOs every three years, to get public feedback on whether we should change, extend or remove restrictions. The current orders are now in place until 2027.
Previous consultations
2021
We held a public consultation about PSPOs in 2021, with proposals for orders in Bath and Midsomer Norton, to control antisocial drinking. As a result of this consultation, the current Bath City Centre was set up, but the Midsomer Norton proposal, although approved, has not been enforced. View our consultation material, for details of the proposals, and the basis for considering this type of Public Order.
2024
The most recent consultation ended in August 2024, and resulted in the renewal of both Orders, until their next review, due in 2027.