Residents are asked for their views on whether there should be more public alcohol-free zones in Dacorum and whether the current ones should continue to exist.

Dacorum Borough Council has started a consultation asking residents whether it should extend its Public Spaces Protection Order areas.

The authority revealed that its current PSPOs are set to expire and it is seeking feedback on whether the restrictions should remain in place for another three years.

Among the areas where there are alcohol drinking in public restrictions within the borough are: Hemel Hempstead Town Centre, Gadebridge Park, Old Town, Randall Park, Berkhamsted and Northchurch, Bovingdon, Boxmoor, Evans Wharf, Frogmore End and Durrants Hill.

Dacorum Borough Council's offices at The Forum in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: Will Durrant/LDRS.

placeholder image — Dacorum Borough Council's offices at The Forum in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: Will Durrant/LDRS.

The council confirmed that its current orders expire on April 11, 2027.

"PSPOs are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed by all, free from anti-social behaviours”, the council says. “They are not about stopping the responsible use of public spaces - but they do provide councils with a tool to tackle persistent issues that are damaging their communities.”

The council recognises that a vast majority of people act in a responsible manner but it does still receive complaints about some people’s conduct. Further details on the consultation can be found online, it is currently due to close on October 6.

Dacorum Borough Council says its current restrictions have been designed to be as simple as possible. It warns that those who flout the public drinking rules could be convicted of committing a criminal offence and fined up to £1,000.

A police officer or authorised person can demand that someone seen drinking in these areas hand over their drinks.