Scarborough: Alcohol prohibition zone begins in seaside town

An order banning people from drinking alcohol on some streets in a coastal resort aims to reduce "a fear of going out", a council said.

A street drinking prohibition zone in Scarborough has banned the consumption of alcohol in Falsgrave, the town centre, around the railway station and in parts of the South Bay.

Meanwhile a wider public spaces protection order (PSPO) covering most of the town prohibits drinking alcohol in the street "in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress", according to North Yorkshire Council.

The order, which came into force at 00:01 BST on Tuesday, will be in place for three years and would be reviewed at the end of that time.

The measures have been put in place after 90% of people who responded to a consultation said drinkers should not be allowed to consume alcohol in public places in the town.

Failure to comply with the rules, which do not apply to drinking alcohol in licensed premises, could lead to a £100 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £500 upon conviction by a magistrates court.

Councillor Heather Phillips, the council's executive member for corporate services, said the town should be "a place for everyone to enjoy".

"There's a fear of going out and enjoying Scarborough because people see unacceptable behaviour, swearing, people doing things they shouldn't," she said.

"We do not want drunken behaviour, we do not want abusive behaviour or violence in front of families and residents."

She added: "Getting to this point has involved a lot of hard work and the support of many people and organisations within the town.

"I am confident the measures we can now take will have a positive effect and make Scarborough a safer place in which to work and relax."

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