New laws have been approved that will affect those visiting the beaches in North Merseyside.
Last night Sefton Council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee approved the introduction of the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) for coastal and visitor areas. The proposed PSPOs would mean police are able to confiscate alcohol, ban barbeques from the coastline and a ban on groups of 40 or more people without permission.
The PSPOs went through a five-week consultation period where more than 300 groups or individuals were contacted to give their opinions and thoughts on the introduction of these rules. These rules will be monitored by council officials and partner agencies in a bid to maintain the coastline and protect against any damage.
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Sefton Council revealed that although the vast majority of visitors know how to behave, some have acted in an inappropriate manner which caused distress and disturbance to people living near the coast and areas that see visitors flock to, as well as causing damage to the infrastructure. The orders are based on existing Sefton Byelaws and will support wider legislation that is currently in place.
Support was given on restrictions such as confiscation of alcohol from those causing anti-social behaviour in certain locations, a total ban on fires and BBQs, and no unauthorised motorised vehicles in visitor areas.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “The use of Public Spaces Protection Orders are favoured by many local authorities as there is the opportunity to issue fixed penalty notices at the time of the offence being committed, allowing Officers more powers in managing visitor behaviour.
“We want all people coming to our beautiful borough to enjoy their visit but also to do their bit to protect our spaces for other people, for local residents and for generations to come.”
The proposed PSPO will now be taken to a full Council meeting on July 14, 2022, with the aim for the order to be active from July 2022 to July 2025.
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