Harrogate: New move to tackle street drinking

Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) has passed a new public order, the first of its kind in the town, to prohibit anyone from drinking in the centre’s streets after they are asked to stop.

Anybody caught doing so, or refusing to hand over their alcohol when asked, could now face a prosecution and a fine.

“There’s an issue with street drinking in certain parts of Harrogate, particularly around the centre,” said Coun Mike Chambers, cabinet member for housing and safer communities.

“We are not immune.

“But it’s important that we have an area in the centre of town where people can enjoy Harrogate without the nuisance or disturbance of street drinkers who are causing problems.”

HBC’s cabinet approved the Public Spaces Protection Order at its meeting on Wednesday.