Discussions will take place next week on whether to extend powers to help curb disorderly drinking in public for a further three years.

Currently, there is a protection order in place in the town, which does not affect people enjoying a drink in a public area or park considerately.

Instead, it tackles alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, with incidents peaking between the hours of 7pm and 11pm, and most often on Saturday nights, according to Suffolk police data.

So far in 2023, there have been 27 incidents relating to alcohol related anti social behaviour.

Police reported 145 incidents in 2021 and 118 in 2022. 

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) order prevents a person in a public place to continue drinking alcohol, or continue to have in their possession an open alcohol container, after being asked by a police or council officer to stop drinking or hand over the open container.

A breach of the order is a criminal offence, carrying the risk of a Fixed Penalty Notice up to £100, or prosecution resulting in a fine up to £1,000.

The current order is due to expire on November 18, but Suffolk Constabulary has requested a further three-year extension to tackle the issue.

Ipswich Star:

The order will cover the borough of Ipswich, and it does not apply to licensed premises. 

The request will be considered at the council’s executive meeting on Tuesday, August 8.

If supported, a public consultation will take place between August 15 and September 9. It will ask residents, businesses, councillors, and the chief constable to submit their views on the proposal.

Councillor John Cook, portfolio holder for communities and sport at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The current Public Spaces Protection Order has assisted the police to deal with alcohol related disorder in our town, while enabling the law-abiding majority to enjoy a drink within our parks and open spaces.

“Residents and businesses now have an opportunity to have their say on a further three-year extension to the order, and I'd encourage them to back it.”