From July 2026, Camden Council's new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) empowers police and enforcement officers to issue £100 fines to individuals drinking alcohol in public if they engage in anti-social behaviour. The order, approved by the local council, targets alcohol-related nuisance across most of the borough, excluding Hampstead Heath.
What the PSPO Entails
The PSPO does not impose a blanket ban on public drinking. Instead, it gives authorised officers the authority to order anyone exhibiting anti-social behaviour to stop drinking and confiscate any alcohol or beverage believed to be alcohol. Failure to comply results in a fixed penalty notice of £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Non-payment can lead to prosecution. The order lasts three years, after which the council will decide on renewal.
Scope and Enforcement
The rule applies across nearly all of Camden, except Hampstead Heath, managed by the City of London Corporation. Similar PSPOs exist in other London boroughs like Westminster, Islington, Wandsworth, and Haringey. Croydon has a town-centre-specific order, while Sutton has park-specific controls.
Definition of Anti-Social Behaviour
According to Camden Council's website, anti-social behaviour (ASB) includes actions causing harassment, alarm, or distress to others. Examples include graffiti, littering, threatening behaviour, harassment based on race or gender, vandalism, and drug-related ASB.
Exemptions and Balance
Drinking outside licensed venues is exempt to support the night-time economy. The council aims to 'strike a balance between promoting a vibrant and inclusive night-time economy and stopping anti-social behaviour.' Exemptions are invalid if an authorised officer cannot provide evidence of their authority.
Council's Perspective
Cllr Patricia Callaghan stated: 'We know that the majority of alcohol consumption in Camden is carried out in a responsible way. We want people to enjoy themselves, and it doesn’t have a negative impact on our community. Where there are community concerns around anti-social behaviour associated with some alcohol consumption, we hope that this PSPO will help to alleviate these issues.'
