New protection order approved after beach fights
PA MediaA new three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved to help tackle anti-social behaviour in Kent after fights broke out on local beaches.
As part of the PSPO, which comes into force on Wednesday, there will be a year-round blanket ban on the consumption of alcohol in Margate and Ramsgate town centres.
In areas of Margate, Cliftonville West, Ramsgate and Broadstairs there will also be bans on antisocial behaviour relating to alcohol and not handing over alcohol when required to do so by an authorised officer.
The PSPO was approved by Thanet District Council's cabinet at a meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Mike Garner, who was at the meeting, said he thought the cabinet's decision was a "no-brainer".
He added: "It's a very difficult issue. One PSPO or other law enforcements on their own dont solve this, it's a societal issue."
East Thanet MP Polly Billington said: "It's vital for our economy that people feel confident about keeping their doors open to their shop, and actually, [it's vital] for the wellbeing of our residents and our visitors that everybody feels safe."
There had been growing concern about antisocial behaviour in Thanet, with videos online showing large groups of teenagers and young adults fighting on beaches.
The council's community safety team also reported growing challenges with managing alcohol-related nuisance since last summer.
Some businesses in Thanet told BBC Radio Kent they had to close early at times because of the behaviour, with one even planning to relocate as they said it had become intimidating.
Kent Police said there were fights on beaches in Broadstairs and Margate on Wednesday, and people were assaulted at Margate Railway Station.
Across the towns people from Kent and London, aged between 18 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of offences including assault and affray.
Ch Insp Ian Swallow said: "It is unacceptable that a minority of troublemakers will ruin the enjoyment of others because they do not know how to behave, and we will not stand for it."
