AN order restricting public drinking in Kidderminster town centre could be extended - but it will depend on what residents think.

Wyre Forest District Council has now launched a consultation to enable it to extend the current order restricting alcohol consumption in the town centre until September 2023.

The council is consulting with residents and businesses about extending the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), under powers contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It is seeking views on the current measures and whether these measures should continue to remain in place. The consultation runs until Wednesday, August 4 2021.

The PSPO would continue to cover any public space within Kidderminster town centre, meaning it can be used to tackle drinking-related anti-social behaviour anywhere where problems are reported.

Officers can order people drinking in these areas to stop, hand over any alcohol or dispose of the alcohol, with people who fail to do so facing a spot fine of up to £100, or up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

The PSPO is not an outright ban on street drinking. It is not an offence to consume alcohol in a public place - the offence is failing to comply with an officer’s request.

A PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place, so long as drinking is done responsibly, a PSPO will only be used to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour or disorder.

Councillor Graham Ballinger, cabinet member for culture, leisure & community protection, said: “As well as causing a disturbance to residents, street drinking can affect local businesses and puts huge pressure on police time and hospital resources.

“Extending the proposed order would continue to give the council and police greater powers to intervene at an earlier stage and to take punitive action where appropriate.

“We welcome the thoughts of local residents and ask them to complete the survey by 5pm on Wednesday August 4 by visiting https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/kidderminsterpspo.”