UK market towns could BAN drinking alcohol in public spaces as soon as October with £100 fines under new rules

A BAN on drinking alcohol in public places could be introduced in a number of popular UK market towns.

It could come into force as soon as October, with anyone found to break the proposed rule slapped with a £100 fine.

County Council is currently seeking approval to introduce a new ban on drinking alcohol in public places.

The proposed rules would be enforced through a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), covering all 300,000 residents of the entire Northumberland county.

Given the clause of the PSPO, the ban would only target alcohol consumption when it could lead to , and aims to improve the quality of life in the area.

Failure to comply with the rules can warrant an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, which can be extended to a maximum fine of £1,000.

Residents in have now been asked to comment on the proposal as part of a consultation open until Friday, October 9.

On its website, Northumberland County Council said: “The proposed Order would apply to all public places within Northumberland and would prohibit the consumption of alcohol where that consumption amounts to, or is reasonably likely to lead to, anti-social behaviour, nuisance or annoyance affecting others.

“The proposal would also enable officers and authorised council officers to require individuals to stop drinking alcohol and surrender alcohol or alcohol containers where they reasonably believe a breach of the Order has occurred or is likely to occur.

“The proposed Order includes exemptions for licensed premises and other locations where the sale and consumption of alcohol is already authorised by .”

If approved, the restrictions could come into force on October 21, which is the day after the existing PSPO runs out, The Chronicle has reported.

Welcoming over 11million visitors each year, Northumberland draws in tourists with its rich and dramatic coastline backdrop.

The ban would directly impact several market towns in the county, including Morpeth, Hexham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Alnwick – home to the iconic castle featured in and .

Hundreds of local councils already enforce PSPOs to restrict public drinking and anti-social behaviour, including Oxford City Council, Westminster City Council and nearby Newcastle City Council.

Northumberland County Council continued to say: “All comments and representations received during the consultation period will be considered before any decision is made on whether to introduce the new PSPO.”