Taking psychoactive substances in public spaces

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. What you need to know
  3. Penalties
  4. See the Public Spaces Protection Order

Overview

There are rules around taking psychoactive substances in public spaces in South Tyneside. 

There is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place.

This is in place to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime, and to improve the quality of life of people living in the area.

This PSPO was valid for three years from May 2021 to May 2024 but has been extended for an extra three years until May 2027.

What you need to know

You must not ingest, inhale, inject, smoke or consume any psychoactive substance in public spaces in South Tyneside, without reasonable excuse.

A psychoactive substance is any substance which is capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person. 

These substances affect a person's central nervous system and their mental functioning or emotional state.

Examples of psychoactive substances include:

  • Marijuana
  • 'Designer drugs', or 'legal highs' - chemicals which mimic psychoactive substances such as hallucinogenics, sedatives or a combination of drugs. Examples include mephedrone, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and spice.

This order does not restrict the use of alcohol or caffeine.

Penalties

If you ignore this PSPO, you are committing an offence and could be fined.

The fine (or 'Fixed Penalty Notice') is £100, or £50 if paid within 7 days.

PSPOs can be enforced by the Police, Police Community Support Officers and any authorised officer of the Council.

If you don't pay the fine, you could be prosecuted. 

More about Public Spaces Protection Orders.

See the Public Spaces Protection Order

Public Spaces Protection Order: Taking psychoactive substances in public spaces