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More than 500 respondents to a City of York Council consultation overwhelmingly supported the crackdown on groups of tax people, intimidation, coercion, pestering and invasion of personal space in the city center.
A report on proposals to strengthen the force to combat the issues, said residents, visitors and businesses told the council street drinking and anti-social behavior were getting worse.
But it has added some dreaded moves to address problems, criminalizing homelessness, moving issues elsewhere rather than solving them, affecting vulnerable groups and requiring visible enforcement to be effective.
It comes as the results of the consultation on strengthening the powers of a public space protection order (PSPO) covering the city center are being discussed.
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Council data shows there were 1,273 incidents of anti-social behavior in the city center in 2025/6, down from 1,410 the previous year but up from 1,223 in 2023/4 and 1,045 in 2023/3.
Total recorded crime fell by 3.6 percent from 3,692 incidents in 2022/3 to 3,560 in 2025/6.
The Council’s People Scrutiny Committee is set to review the consultation results on Monday, October 26 ahead of an executive decision on the proposals on Tuesday, November 3.
Proposals would see additional restrictions covering people who constantly ask for money, food or other donations or pressure or intimidate people into joining the PSPO.
Following, nagging or blocking people, obstructing their passage or standing near situations such as an ATM would also be covered.
New powers to tackle street drinking and anti-social behavior in York city center could be introduced (Image: Staff)
Powers would also be included to deal with groups of people who are shouting, aggressive and disruptive or engaging in alcohol-fuelled behavior likely to cause fear, abuse or confrontation.
Council officials cited evidence that such behavior was already having a detrimental effect on the quality of life in the city center and was not being adequately addressed by existing powers.
The consultation, which ran in August and September, found more than 94 percent of 508 residents, visitors and business owners who responded supported action to tackle unwanted groups.
Almost 91 percent support the fight against pestering, almost 90 percent intimidation and coercion, about 89 percent persistent requests and invasion of personal space.
The council report said: “The dominant narrative is that residents, visitors and many businesses are observing rising anti-social behavior and increased street drinking, experiencing growing intimidation and reduced feelings of safety and fear damaging York’s reputation as a family-friendly destination.”
It added that the powers will be used proportionately and take a support-first approach in response to concerns raised by some about the negative impact on vulnerable people.
Cllr Anne Perrett, spokeswoman for the council’s Labor Safe Communities, said she was grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation.
The executive member said: “Your feedback will help us understand local experiences of anti-social behavior and whether the additional PSPO conditions would be an appropriate and proportionate response.”
