Decision details

1.    Note the consultation feedback; and

2.    Adopt the proposed PSPO attached at Appendix 4 to be incorporated in to the Public Space Protection (Cheltenham) Order 2017;

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Environment to implement the revised PSPO.

The proposals are intended to address ticket touting during key horse racing events and protect the public from anti-social behaviour that is having or likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality life of those in the locality.

The council in partnership with the police and racecourse have been working together over the last two years to deal with the increasing problems posed by ticket touts.  The work done so far included council and police operations to gather evidence and to disrupt the activities of touts.  In addition, the racecourse have made changes to its ticket terms & conditions, refund policy and plan to setup a number of ticket exchange booths on key race days.

These measures have gone someway to address some of the issues mentioned but it needs to be underpinned with formal enforcement powers which is currently lacking.

The Cabinet Member for Development & Safety can decide to reject the proposed variation of the PSPO.  Consideration has been given to this but in light of the evidence submitted showing that ticket touts are becoming an increasing problem, supplemented by the consultation feedback, during key horse racing events, not proceeding with the proposed variation to the PSPO would reduce the powers available to the Police and Local Authority to address this problem.

Please refer to full report