Anti-social behaviour like drinking in public and riding e-bikes could be stopped under new crackdown
The Government is introducing Respect Orders in England and Wales to give authorities tougher ways to curb persistent anti-social behaviour. The new ASBO-style restrictions are intended to make public spaces feel safer and allow police, councils and other agencies to act when offenders do not respond to diversionary work.
Orders apply to adults and can include town-centre bans, curfews, unlimited fines and community sanctions. Courts may also require rehabilitation for offenders whose crimes are linked to drug or alcohol use, or anger management classes; breaching an order is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison. Behaviours cited include harassment, intimidation, street drinking, littering, drug use and riding e-bikes or e-scooters.
In short
- Respect Orders begin across England and Wales.
- Restrictions can include bans, curfews and fines.
- Breaching an order could lead to two years in prison.
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The case for
Supporters argue that persistent harassment, intimidation and disorder can make shared spaces feel unsafe, especially for people who have little choice but to use them. They see Respect Orders as a way to impose clear, tailored limits when diversion has failed, while linking some restrictions to rehabilitation and giving agencies a stronger means to enforce them.
The case against
Critics may argue that broad restrictions on conduct such as street drinking or riding e-bikes risk treating varied behaviour as equally serious and could impose disproportionate penalties, including prison, for breaches. They may also worry that wide enforcement powers could restrict people’s access to public spaces without addressing underlying causes such as addiction or lack of support.
Explained simply
Anti-social behaviour covers conduct that causes nuisance, alarm or distress in public places. It can include persistent harassment or intimidation, as well as street drinking, littering and drug use. The rules and services involved vary across England and Wales.
Police, councils and other agencies can use warnings and diversionary support to try to address such behaviour. The Government says Respect Orders are intended for persistent cases where this work has not changed someone’s conduct. They apply to adults and can restrict where a person goes or require them to follow conditions such as a curfew or rehabilitation.
The orders matter because breaking one would be a criminal offence, with a possible prison sentence of up to two years. The range of possible restrictions means they could affect people’s access to town centres and public spaces, while giving authorities another way to respond to repeated problems.
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