New Measures Target Alcohol-Related Disorder

A north London council has approved new measures aimed at tackling anti-social and irresponsible alcohol consumption in public spaces. The policy, known as a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), was approved by Camden Council and is expected to take effect in July.

The new rules do not ban drinking alcohol in public places such as parks. However, they give police officers and council enforcement staff the authority to require individuals to stop drinking and to confiscate alcohol—or substances believed to be alcohol—when people are involved in anti-social behaviour.

The PSPO will remain in force for three years, after which the council will decide whether it should be renewed. The order will apply throughout the London Borough of Camden, with the exception of Hampstead Heath, which falls under the jurisdiction of the City of London Corporation.

The decision follows a public consultation conducted earlier this year. Nearly 200 residents participated, with 78% expressing support for the proposed measures. Many respondents reported concerns about aggressive and intimidating behaviour linked to excessive drinking, including incidents of harassment and verbal abuse directed at women and girls.

Residents frequently identified Camden Town, Tottenham Court Road, and Fitzrovia as areas where alcohol-related anti-social behaviour is most common.

Camden joins the majority of London boroughs that already have similar street-drinking controls in place, including neighbouring boroughs such as Haringey, Islington, and Westminster.

According to data from the Metropolitan Police, Camden recorded 9,117 anti-social behaviour incidents between May 2025 and April 2026, ranking eighth among London’s 32 boroughs. Westminster recorded the highest number during the same period, with 13,641 incidents.

Commenting on the new powers, Camden’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Adam Harrison, said the measures are not aimed at people enjoying a casual drink with friends in a park. Instead, he said, they are intended to address irresponsible drinking that negatively affects residents, businesses, and visitors.

Harrison also encouraged residents to report incidents of anti-social behaviour, emphasizing that enforcement officers patrol the borough every day and that all reports are treated seriously.