POLICE have issued 13 on-the-spot fixed penalty notices (FPN) to people caught street drinking in Salisbury city centre since May.
The £100 FPNs have been handed out by police officers under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) implemented by Wiltshire Council.
Failure to pay an FPN could lead to prosecution and a £1,000 fine upon conviction.
The PSPO enables officers to approach people street drinking in the city centre and ask them to stop and surrender anything believed to be an alcohol container.
It does not prevent licensed premises with outdoor seating from serving alcohol.
No FPNs have been issued for a ‘catapult’ offence.
Wiltshire Council said businesses in Salisbury have seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment, said: “Next week will mark ASB Awareness Week 2024 and, with the overarching theme being ‘Making Communities Safer’, we are pleased to hear that the Salisbury businesses owners feel that the PSPO is making a difference in the local community.
“The decision to put a Public Spaces Protection Order is not ever done lightly, but in this instance the feedback we received deemed it necessary, and we are glad that it is working to both act as a deterrent to the anti-social behaviour and also to give the police the required powers to act further where necessary.
“We hope this provides that additional assurance that we take safety in Salisbury very seriously, particularly as we head into the Christmas period where people will visit and enjoy everything that the city has to offer.”
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Dan Collins, operations manager of the Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Our security teams in Salisbury have already seen the positive impact of the Public Spaces Protection Order on reducing anti-social behaviour around the city.
“The ability to address issues like street drinking has made an immediate difference, with the very presence of these powers now acting as a strong deterrent.
“This approach is helping us create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors, while maintaining the lively atmosphere that makes Salisbury such a great place to be.”
Inspector Tina Osborn of the Salisbury community policing team said: “The implementation of the PSPO has enabled officers to deal positively will individuals who continually choose to breach this order.
“An appropriate approach will always be taken against those involved in this behaviour but will be managed against the impact it is having on members of the public and businesses.
“We know that anti-social behaviour can have devastating impacts on communities and individuals if left untackled.”
Wiltshire Council’s Community Safety officers have also worked with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Creative and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to respond to additional concerns about anti-social behaviour, street drinking and drug use in the vicinity of Salisbury Playhouse.
The area is adjacent to The Maltings car park, where the shelter and privacy it provided attracted more people to the area.
Work to install a fence and gate to protect the property using funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund was completed in September.
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