The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) addresses particular nuisance or problem that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life in a particular area. The order works by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone and address the issues causing the problems. These issues are outlined in the next question. PSPO’s are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces safe from harm.  You can view guidance published by the Home Office.

• Individuals had been offering for sale or donation various items such as ‘gag mags’, joke books or wristbands in a manner which conjures a veneer of charitable authenticity when in fact none or very little of the money given up by the public actually goes to any charity.
• Individuals had been offering for sale or donation various items such as ‘gag mags’, joke books or wristbands as a ways of obtaining money under a back to work initiative. Some of these joke books are for over eighteens only but will be given to children.
• Some buskers had been primarily targeting children with their acts and this raises safeguarding issues because these people without the PSPO would be unregulated.

These are issues that have been identified by the council as being of concern within the city centre. They have been generated from complaints made and issues raised by members of the public, businesses and other stakeholders who use the city centre and also from the council's commitment to public safety. Some of these related to long standing issues which could not be easily resolved without the PSPO.

When selecting the area it was based on the locations where we were aware these incidents were occurring. 

The areas are excluded because they have other powers to deal with the type of nuisance being addressed by the proposed order. For example they have the benefit of interventions which can be carried out by the Transport Police.

It prohibits offering items such as printed material, or performances, displays, demonstrations or similar activity that is designed for or is likely to appeal to children under the age of 13.

This means that if a person is attempting to obtain money in exchange for any item or other activity, and their actions when doing so create circumstances which may impact upon the safeguarding of children, then they will need to get permission from the council.

These circumstances will be varied but, for example, could include individuals giving out balloons or offering a photographic opportunity. If they do not have this permission then they would be committing an offence under the order.

Exempted persons include, amongst others, newspaper vendors, taxi drivers, and shops.

Busking is not prohibited by the order. Buskers who comply with Liverpool’s busking guide can still operate within the area. The only change here will be in circumstances which may impact upon the safeguarding of children. In these circumstances the individual will have to obtain the council's prior authorisation. 

These people would be exempt from the order provided that they are selling goods by means of visits from house to house. Otherwise any trading in the street would be subject to the order.

Any person operating as a licensed street trader would not be committing an offence under the order. 

The proposed order will not be used to supress any political or religious activity.

The order is not intended to penalise people selling their personal possessions. For example if you put a “for sale” sign in your car window you will not be penalised by the order. 

The exemptions contained in the order will still allow for these. Any fund raising or initiatives which are not covered under the legislative exemptions set out within the order can still be allowed so long as the council's prior authorisation is obtained. 

Official Big Issue sellers are not be prohibited from selling the Big Issue by the order.

The council's Enforcement Policy is based on the Government’s enforcement concordat and means that all actions taken by officers are proportionate and can be incremental, starting with education and advice and progressing to enforcement. Since the order was made in January 2020 the council has issued numerous Fixed Penalty Notices.