Start in public place (6)
I believe the answer is:
outset
'start' is the definition.
(I know that start can be written as outset)
'public place' is the wordplay.
'public' becomes 'out' (out can mean released to the public).
'place' becomes 'set' (setting is a kind of placing).
'out'+'set'='OUTSET'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for outset that I've seen before include "Opening stage" , "launch" , "Starting point" , "Inception" , "debut?" .)