Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs)
Guidance for Local Authorities in England and Wales.
This guide explains the powers given to local authorities in England and Wales to introduce Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs). The provisions are contained in section 13 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 and section 26 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. The purpose of this guide is to help you get the best out of DPPOs. If your local area has found its own effective system for using this power, then there is no need to consider making changes. Our aim is to ensure good practice from practitioners. This guidance therefore sets out examples of good practice which you may wish to follow in your local area.
Title: Guidance on Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs): For Local Authorities in England and Wales.
Authors: Home Office
Number of pages: 24
Date published: December 2008 (updated November 2009)
Availability: Download full report 
PDF 390Kb
DPPO powers enable local authorities to designate places where restrictions on public drinking apply. However, they can only be used in areas that have experienced alcohol-related disorder or nuisance.
These powers are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities, for example families having a picnic in a park or on the beach with a glass of wine. While police oficers have the discretion to require an individual to refrain from drinking regardless of behaviour, our advice is that it is not appropriate to challenge an individual consuming alcohol where that individual is not causing a problem.
Bodies responsible for introducing and enforcing DPPOs must keep in mind section 13 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 which makes it clear that this power is to be used explicitly for addressing nuisance or annoyance associated with the consumption of alcohol in a public place.
It is important to note that these powers do not make it a criminal offence to consume alcohol within a designated area. An offence is committed if the individual refuses to comply with a constable’s request to refrain from drinking. Those enforcing these powers must take care that they do not state (either verbally or via signage) that the consumption of alcohol in a designated area, in itself, constitutes a criminal offence.
Getting a copy
Download Guidance on Public Place Orders (DPPOs): For Local Authorities in England and Wales. PDF 390Kb
Last update: Monday, November 16, 2009