A crackdown on street drinking in Croydon could see police taking alcohol from the public.

Drinking in public in Croydon Town Centre could be banned under new plans, with police being given extra powers to confiscate open bottles and cans of booze.

Croydon Council will open a consultation on a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to cover the town centre.

A previous order on the area, which was in place since 2017, expired at the end of 2020.

At the time it was not renewed as there wasn’t evidence the enhanced powers were being used and it was believed anti-social behaviour had reduced in the area.

But a report going to a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (July 6) claims the town centre is a “major hotspot” for crime and disorder.

Analysis by The Safer Croydon Partnership made up of the council, police, fire brigade, probation and health services shows this area accounts for 16 per cent of all crime in the borough.

The area proposed now is larger than before and covers the areas around West Croydon and East Croydon stations up to Broad Green and includes parts of South Croydon.

After this week’s cabinet meeting, a six-week public consultation on the plan will be triggered. 

If it is put in place, police would have the power to take and dispose of open alcohol containers. 

Other potential areas to roll out PSPOs are being considered by the Mayor Jason Perry, including New Addington.

An assessment of this is expected later this year.

Mayor Perry said: “Croydon’s residents, visitors, and local businesses must feel safe and welcome in our town centre, which remains the heart of the borough.

"There is no room for anti-social behaviour in Croydon and I am pleased we can help our high streets thrive by supporting the police to deter this behaviour.

“I am working closely with the police and all our local partners to make sure our communities feel safe in their local area, and restore pride in our high streets, by starting with the visible effects of crime – tackling anti-social behaviour, removing graffiti, and cleaning up our streets.”