Street Drinking
Councils are currently discussing extending public space protection orders and adjusting alcohol licensing hours to address street drinking.
Croydon Council's Cabinet agreed in October 2026 to authorise public consultation on extending Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to all borough parks and eight district centres. This aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, including street drinking, across the borough. Executive Mayor Jason Perry highlighted a 24% decrease in anti-social behaviour due to existing PSPOs. Brent Council is also tackling street drinking as part of a high street revitalisation strategy.
Councils are also addressing street drinking through alcohol licensing decisions. In September 2026, Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a Tesco Express licence with reduced alcohol sales hours after resident objections about potential public nuisance. Conversely, Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee E extended supermarket alcohol sales hours in June 2026 despite police concerns about increased anti-social behaviour and street drinking. Lambeth Council also granted extended operating hours for a venue in July 2026.
Street drinking, the consumption of alcohol in public spaces, is often associated with anti-social behaviour. Councils use measures like PSPOs and licensing conditions to manage its impact. The public consultation on extending PSPOs in Croydon is expected to begin soon, allowing residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes.
Key facts
- Croydon Council's Cabinet agreed in October 2026 to authorise public consultation on extending PSPOs to all borough parks and eight district centres. Source
- In September 2026, Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a Tesco Express licence with alcohol sales restricted to 09:00-22:00 Mon-Sat and 10:00-22:00 Sun. Source
- Brent Council's strategy to revitalise high streets, approved in July 2026, includes tackling street drinking in town centres. Source
- Hackney Council's Licensing Sub Committee E extended supermarket alcohol sales hours by one hour in June 2026, despite police objections. Source
- Aldi sought in March 2026 to begin selling alcohol from 7 AM on weekdays at its Edgware Road store in Westminster. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.