Decision

The Head of Community Safety has decided to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.

Analysis

outcome: The approval was given to implement the PSPO for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.

summary: The decision at stake is the introduction of a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.

topline: The Head of Community Safety has decided to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves restrictions on smoking and vaping in public spaces, which can be a sensitive topic for some stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["smokers", "vapers", "children", "young people", "non-smokers"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8300

Decision Maker: Head of Community Safety (Ian Willman)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.

Content: This report seeks approval to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period. The Head of Community Safety in consultation with the Cabinet Member Communities and Neighbourhoods, considering the statutory consultation exercise is recommended to:          i.         Approve a three-year borough wide Public Space Protection Order (Smoking and Vaping) in designated smoke and vape free zones where children, young people and non-smokers are present or are reasonably expected to be present to include:   a)    A person must not smoke or vape within any designated smoke and vape free zone or within 2 meters of any entrance, exit, or access point to an enclosed public space or workplace including:  ·     Playgrounds and Environmental Centres in parks (including entrances, play equipment areas and associated seating) ·     School grounds including the immediate vicinity of school gates and entrances;  ·     Youth Centres ·     Leisure Centres (including main entrances and forecourts); ·     Children’s Centres and family hubs;  ·     Libraries (external entrances and forecourts open to the public). This does not include Halewood and Prescot Libraries; ·     Shakespeare North Playhouse (external areas under Council management open to the public).   b)    A person must, when requested by an Authorised Officer, extinguish any lit smoking material and/or cease vaping and comply with any reasonable instruction given.   Not implementing a borough-wide PSPO. After under-taking evidence review and statutory consultation process to was deemed that both support and need were high to implement a PSPO for smoking and vaping in designated areas across Knowsley for a three-year period.  

Date of Decision: July 30, 2026