New Designated Public Places Order for South Lakeland

9 March 2010

Five new alcohol-free zones came into effect on 8 March 2010, after South Lakeland District Council agreed to make a new Designated Public Places Order, known as a DPPO. The addition of these new areas is a direct response by the council to requests from local communities.

Although SLDC make the Order, it is enforced by the police and gives officers the power to require a person in a DPPO area not to drink alcohol in that area when they reasonably believe that person has, or intends to do so. In addition, an officer has the power to ask that person to surrender the alcohol and any opened or sealed containers in their possession.

It is not an offence to drink alcohol in a designated public place, but failure to comply with an officer’s requests without reasonable excuse can lead to arrest. 

Penalties for this offence include:

  • Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) £50; or
  • Arrest and prosecution for a level 2 fine, maximum of £500

Andy Shine, Chair of the South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said, “The intention of these Designation Orders is to provide a safer, more pleasant environment for local residents who may be affected by alcohol related nuisance.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent, Sean Robinson, South Cumbria Area Commander, said, “ The Order will be a vital tool when dealing with a number of alcohol issues in these areas and I am grateful to South Lakeland District Council for their support”

The full Order, listing the new areas covered, with accompanying maps can be viewed on SLDC’s website