If you’re over 18 and drinking politely in a non-DPPO area, the worst that can happen is a police officer asks you to pour it out. If you refuse, they can fine you up to £500 under a DPPO, or arrest you for refusing to comply. That’s a pricey glass of rosé.
If you’re being aggressive, loud, or urinating in public (please don’t), you could get a fixed penalty notice of £90 or even end up in court. Suddenly, that bottle of Lambrini doesn’t seem worth it, does it?
The Very Unofficial Rule
Here’s the secret every local knows: the law is rarely enforced on quiet, well-behaved drinkers. It’s the rowdy groups, the loud drunks, and the ones leaving a mess of cans and broken glass who get the book thrown at them. Be a polite, discreet drinker and you’ll likely be left alone.
Think of it as the “don’t be a dick” loophole. It’s not in the statute books, but it works beautifully.
