The consultation exercise relating to the extension of the responsible drinking Public Spaces Protection Order resulted in a significant number of residents’ requesting a variation to the order to include the possession and use of nitrous oxide canisters which is not offence contained within the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Following initial feedback so far, this proposal has been amended to restrict individuals who ingest, inhale, inject, smoke, possess or otherwise use psychoactive substances (e.g. nitrous oxide) and which is causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to members of the public.

It was not possible to include a variation at the time but as a result of analysis there appears to be an evidence base to consider the introduction of a PSPO. An extensive consultation exercise will follow to determine whether a PSPO including determining the wording of the prohibition is necessary and the geographical boundaries within the borough to which the PSPO if introduced will apply.