Seaside town with locals ‘too scared to leave homes’ has new rule with £100 fine

A famous UK seaside town where locals are “too scared to leave their homes” has brought in new rules and £100 fines.

Scarborough has introduced a street drinking prohibition zone where the consumption of alcohol is banned in the town centre, around the train station and South Bay.

A wider public spaces protection order covering most of the town prohibits drinking alcohol in the street “in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress”.

The order from North Yorkshire Council came into force from midnight yesterday and will be in place for three years. After that, it will go up for review.

Both have been put in place after a consultation in which 90 percent of respondents said drinkers should not be allowed to consume alcohol in public places in the town.

Breaking these rules, which do not apply to licensed premises, could lead to a £100 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £500 upon conviction by a magistrates court.

Councillor Heather Phillips, the council’s executive member for corporate services, said the town should be “a place for everyone to enjoy”.

“There’s a fear of going out and enjoying Scarborough because people see unacceptable behaviour, swearing, people doing things they shouldn’t,” she said.

“We do not want drunken behaviour, we do not want abusive behaviour or violence in front of families and residents.”

She added: “Getting to this point has involved a lot of hard work and the support of many people and organisations within the town.

“I am confident the measures we can now take will have a positive effect and make Scarborough a safer place in which to work and relax.”