Respect orders came into force across England and Wales on 26 October 2026, according to the Home Office, giving police and councils stronger enforcement tools against persistent adult perpetrators of antisocial behaviour.

Courts can bar offenders from town centres or from drinking in public hotspots such as high streets and parks. They can impose unlimited fines and community punishments including curfews or volunteering hours, and can require treatment for drug or alcohol problems or anger management courses. Breaching an order would be a criminal offence, with arrest possible and up to two years' imprisonment. Orders will be recorded on the Police National Computer, and police, councils, landlords and transport networks can apply for them.

The orders replace civil injunctions for adult offenders but apply only to those aged 18 and over; under-18s can still receive existing youth injunctions. The government said the measures form part of wider action, including extended dispersal powers, higher fines for breaching community protection measures and additional neighbourhood police officers.