00:01Liverpool Council is proposing a crackdown on city centre gatherings after a rise in reports
00:07of antisocial and violent behaviour involving teenagers. According to the Council, since
00:12November 2024, members of the public have reported persistent groups of young people
00:17committing offences including theft, public order incidents and violent crimes. Authorities
00:23say this behaviour has created fear and affected the quality of life for those using the city centre.
00:30To tackle the issue, the Council plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order, or PSPO,
00:36under Section 59 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014. The order would cover
00:43City Centre North, City Centre South, Brownlow Hill and Waterfront South. It would prohibit gatherings
00:49of more than six people behaving in ways likely to cause alarm or distress others and restrict the
00:55use of face coverings except for in medical or cultural reasons. The PSPO would also make
01:02swearing, verbal abuse, threatening gestures or damaging property punishable if it causes harassment,
01:09alarm or distress. Officers and constables would be able to issue warning letters and fixed penalty
01:15notices to those in breach. Council documents stress that these measures aim to safeguard residents,
01:21businesses and young people themselves. The committee is expected to adopt the order at its meeting next Thursday.
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