Plans to extend controls on beach drinking have been welcomed by residents - as councillors aim to avoid a repeat of shocking anti-social behaviour seen in parts of Kent.

Dover District Council (DDC) says the renewal of a public space protection order (PSPO) in Dover, Deal and Walmer is needed to safeguard residents’ quality of life.

The legislation - which has been in place since 2022 but ends this month - makes it an offence to refuse to stop drinking in public or hand over bottles of alcohol when requested by police or an authorised council officer.

The punishment for breaching such an order is a £100 fine, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days.

DDC hopes to extend these rules to cover a further three years - but the authority’s leader insists bosses are not “party poopers”.

Cllr Kevin Mills (Lab) said the move would help prevent shocking violence that erupted across parts of the county last month, with Broadstairs the worst-affected town.

Groups of youths in east Kent were seen fighting, intimidating shop workers and members of the public, leading to numerous arrests.

Cllr Mills said: “This is not about stopping responsible individuals and adults enjoying a drink on the beach with their family at a picnic or anywhere else.

“This is about giving us the authority to actually stop those that are becoming abusive or whatever and actually ruining it for the responsible members of the community.

“What we’re trying to avoid is 20 kids sitting on the beach having a beer on a bank holiday Monday when the sun is shining, then running through Broadstairs and smashing up whatever.”

Most residents who took part in DDC’s public consultation said they were against the extension of the PSPO, but the authority said the objections “primarily related to a misconception that the order banned all persons from drinking alcohol in any public place”.

Cllr Mills added: “Despite the public opposition and misconception, the PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place, so long as the drinking is done responsibly.”

Speaking to KentOnline, members of the public in Deal said there is good reason to rein in anti-social youths in the district.

Sharon Wilkinson, 70, was enjoying a pint of beer on the town’s beach - one of the areas targeted by the PSPO - when she shared her views.

She said: “As long as people are drinking in moderation, what’s the harm?

“This is more of a retirement town where people like a quiet life so perhaps there’s not the need for this rule.

“It’s the younger generation that sometimes goes too far with drinking in public in large groups, so, actually, I think I would be in favour if the council wants to bring in a restriction.”

Deal residents Brendan and Lynn Birkett said they were in favour of street drinking rules.

“As long as they don’t annoy anyone, I don’t see anything wrong with people drinking in public but overall, I think maybe the PSPO is a good idea,” said Mr Birkett, 79.

Mrs Birkett, 75, added: “You do get some trouble over by Walmer Castle sometimes with young people drinking and hanging out in large groups.”

The PSPO, which would come into effect on July 27 if approved, would cover the Deal coastline from Sandown Castle Community Garden to Kingstown Beach and as far inland as Mill Hill.

The restrictions in Dover would include Pencester Gardens, where KentOnline reported in April how police fight “daily battles” with dozens of street drinkers.

The legislation also includes restrictions on where and how dogs can be walked in the district, as well as rules about unauthorised camping.

DDC’s cabinet will decide whether or not to approve, reject or amend the order at a meeting on Monday (July 7).