Alarm has been raised over suspected street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Reading town centre.
A group of people can often be seen loitering and drinking alcohol outside the Metro Bank at St Mary’s Butts.
The suspected street drinking has been seen taking place despite restrictions.
A staff member at the Metro Bank said that the new management team are aware of the issue and are working towards a resolution.
While there aren’t any blanket restrictions against drinking in public in the UK, restrictions can be imposed by local authorities.
An office worker has noticed that most days people tend to congregate around that area.
The professional, 34, who works in nearby Bridge Street said: “There always seems to be a group of people sitting on the window ledge outside the Metrobank drinking most days.
“While I’m sure the people are well-meaning, it can’t be that pleasant for people who work at the bank and those who are coming in and out of the shopping centre.
“I wonder if perhaps the council has considered speaking to this group and encouraging them to move somewhere more suitable.”
Information from DrinkAware states: “Councils can put measures in place to stop drinking in certain areas where they believe alcohol could contribute to anti-social behaviour.
“In England and Wales, councils can use a ‘Public Space Protection Order’ (PSPO) to stop drinking in public in defined locations.”
A PSPO came into effect across the whole of Reading Borough in April 2019, which can put controls on street drinking, begging, dog fouling, public defecation and littering.
A map of ‘street drinking restriction areas’ from 2008 has also been seen, which shows ‘Drink Restriction Zones’ made by designation orders in 2002 and 2006.
Anyone caught breaching the order is committing a criminal office and can carry a maximum fine of £1,000 if convicted.
A council spokesperson has acknowledged a request for comment, and a security official at Broad Street Mall has also been contacted.
