Enforcement powers for anti-social behaviour in Durham City Centre

Background information

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 brought in PSPOs. They are put in place to make sure that people can use and enjoy public spaces safely away from anti-social behaviour.

What the PSPOs mean for people in the City

The two PSPOs currently in place in a defined area of Durham City, include:

Alcohol control

Public Space Protection Order for Alcohol in Durham City (PDF, 4 MB)

This has been in place since 2014. We consult on it every three years and it is in place until July 2025.

It is an offence if you to:

• continue to drink alcohol (or anything which is reasonably believed to be alcohol) when asked to stop by an authorised person (our staff, a Neighbourhood wardens or police officer)

Begging, public urinating and defecating, and use of intoxicating substances

Public Space Protection Order for Public Begging, Urinating, Defecating, and Drug Use in Durham City (PDF, 1 MB)

This has been in place since 2024. We consult every three years and is in place until August 2027.

It is an offence to:

• beg in a public place
• urinate (wee) or defecate (poo) in a public place
• use intoxicating substances (drugs) in a public place

Map of the PSPOs area

Enforcement and penalties

Authorised people (police officers and Neighbourhood wardens) have the power to issue a fine (fixed penalty notice) if you do not follow the PSPO. If the fine is not paid, you will be taken to court. The maximum fine is £1,000.