Designated Public Place Order

Cardiff’s Public Protection Committee has agreed to approve an application to make the entire city a Designated Public Place Order which will give the Police powers to tackle people drinking alcohol and behaving anti-socially on the city’s streets and public places.

The order will make it easier for Police to address irresponsible behaviour as a result of drinking and prevent people from going to areas where it hasn’t been adopted to avoid having their alcohol confiscated or possibly even be arrested.

The Chief Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal Officer has now been requested to carry out the necessary statutory process and report back to the Committee.

Councillor Ed Bridges, Chair of the Public Protection Committee, said “This scheme is designed to make the regulations easier to understand for the public. Making Designated Public Place Orders on a piecemeal basis only results in the problem moving on to adjacent areas that are not covered and leads to confusion. By making the order city-wide, we are providing clarity for the public.

“What this scheme isn't designed to do is prevent people from having a picnic in the park with an alcoholic drink. But if people are creating disorder or behaving anti-socially because of alcohol, the Police can ask that person to stop drinking in a public place without the need for an arrest. Failure to comply with the request may lead to confiscation and disposal of the alcohol, but there will be no further action if the alcohol is surrendered and the individual desists with their anti-social behaviour.

“If the introduction of this order helps to reduce alcohol-related violence, it can only benefit the city.”