HAVE YOUR SAY: Public consultation for anti-social drinking ban on Exmouth beach begins

East Devon District Council has launched a public consultation on the proposed plans to extend an existing public space protection order, or PSPO, to cover Exmouth beach.

The existing order has been in place since May 2020 in certain parts of the town, and it restricts activities linked to anti-social behaviour such as possessing intoxicating substances and urinating or defecating in public areas.

The proposal was made following extensive alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and littering on Exmouth beach in June 2020, and over the Easter bank holiday weekend in April 2021.

The council has said that the PSPO is not a blanket 'alcohol ban', but instead more of a tool to help the police deal with anti-social behaviour.

The council is now seeking the views of the public on proposed plans to extend the order to the beach.

Councillor Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism, Leisure and Sport, said: "By extending these orders to include the beach, it will provide that extra reassurance for Exmouth residents and visitors that any antisocial behaviour can be dealt with speedily and effectively.

"I encourage you to take this opportunity to give your views in the consultation."

Residents are encouraged to read more about the proposal here before sharing their views.

To share your views on the proposed extension to the PSPO, you can email [email protected]

Alternatively, you can contact the council by post at the following address: Environmental Health, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.

If you would like to receive a large print copy or other format of the consultation, please email [email protected] or call 01395 517457.

The public consultation will close at 5pm on Sunday 20 June 2021.