A warning has been issued to anyone who is planning on celebrating Halloween
Partygoers have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 for breaching local regulations over Halloween. Kingdom Local Authority Support has said some could be hit with hefty penalties if they unknowingly break the rules.
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), first introduced in 2014, were designed to combat anti-social behaviour such as street drinking and improve the quality of life in public spaces like city centres, streets, and parks. These orders are in effect in many towns and cities across the UK.
John Roberts, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support, said: “A lot of people may not realise there are PSPOs in place in their area, even if they’ve lived there for years. Cities have different rules to address anti-social behaviour, and breaking these rules-especially during celebrations like Halloween can be costly.”
He added: “Breaking a PSPO can lead to fines of up to £100 on the spot, and in more severe cases it can lead to prosecution and an £1000 fine. These orders are in place to protect both students and local residents, ensuring everyone is acting responsibly and respectfully.
“However, our officers will always be there to protect the general public and ensure they are safe when they are going out to enjoy themselves. We want to assure the public that our officers are people they can rely on if they need help – whether that’s simply for directions or if they’re in distress.”
Kingdom officers, who patrol cities and towns like Reading, Birmingham, Swindon, and many boroughs across London, aren’t just there to hand out penalties but to lend a helping hand too. “Our officers are there to ensure the public’s safety. Whether you need help with directions or find yourself in distress, they’re there to assist,” John added.
To steer clear of unwanted fines, John recommends visiting your local council’s website to check for any active PSPOs, which are typically reviewed every three years. “Stay informed and know the rules in your area, so your Halloween celebrations don’t come with an unwanted bill,” he said.
