Menu
08/04/2002
Dodds voices concern about drinking in public by-laws
Stronger and more effective powers to deal with drinking in public and anti-social behaviour are being considered by the Department for Social Development.
Outlining the need for more effective by-laws, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds said ordinary people were fed up with the anti-social behaviour associated with drinking in public areas where this is prohibited by by-laws. He added: "A number of district councils have expressed an understandable sense of dissatisfaction as their attempts to deal with this growing problem seem to be frustrated by an inability to take measures which are more immediate and more effectual.
"There is a need to ensure the existing by-laws are operating in a way that provides district councils and the police with the most effective powers to deal with this problem. My officials will be discussing the problems with the existing by-laws and suggestions for the future with district council officials, the police and other interested parties. Following these discussions, I would hope to be in a position to consult publicly on proposals for the way ahead later this year."
District councils have the power to make by-laws under section 90 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972. While the Department of the Environment is responsible for the Act, the Department for Social Development is responsible for approving what are commonly known as drinking in public by-laws.
These by-laws make it an offence to drink alcohol in designated places and give police the power to take the names and addresses of offenders before passing the details to district councils which are responsible for prosecution proceedings.
(MB)
Outlining the need for more effective by-laws, the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds said ordinary people were fed up with the anti-social behaviour associated with drinking in public areas where this is prohibited by by-laws. He added: "A number of district councils have expressed an understandable sense of dissatisfaction as their attempts to deal with this growing problem seem to be frustrated by an inability to take measures which are more immediate and more effectual.
"There is a need to ensure the existing by-laws are operating in a way that provides district councils and the police with the most effective powers to deal with this problem. My officials will be discussing the problems with the existing by-laws and suggestions for the future with district council officials, the police and other interested parties. Following these discussions, I would hope to be in a position to consult publicly on proposals for the way ahead later this year."
District councils have the power to make by-laws under section 90 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972. While the Department of the Environment is responsible for the Act, the Department for Social Development is responsible for approving what are commonly known as drinking in public by-laws.
These by-laws make it an offence to drink alcohol in designated places and give police the power to take the names and addresses of offenders before passing the details to district councils which are responsible for prosecution proceedings.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2005
Police launch campaign against anti-social drinking
Police, working in partnership with local authorities in Down, are launching a campaign targetting anti-social drinking.
Police launch campaign against anti-social drinking
Police, working in partnership with local authorities in Down, are launching a campaign targetting anti-social drinking.
01 August 2013
NI Drinking Water Quality 'High' - Report
The quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains exceptionally high, according to a new report published by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
NI Drinking Water Quality 'High' - Report
The quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains exceptionally high, according to a new report published by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
06 August 2024
O'Dowd Commits To High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has committed to ensuring homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to high-quality, safe drinking water.
O'Dowd Commits To High-Quality, Safe Drinking Water
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has committed to ensuring homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to high-quality, safe drinking water.
05 September 2018
Water Safety And Quality Remains High Across NI
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high but there is "no room for complacency", the latest report from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said.
Water Safety And Quality Remains High Across NI
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high but there is "no room for complacency", the latest report from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said.
28 September 2012
SDLP Cancels "Irresponsible" Pub Crawl
The SDLP has been forced to apologise following news that its youth-wing organised a cheap pub crawl for students. The £1-a-drink pub crawl was advertised through promotions on the party’s Twitter site and through leaflets being handed out to first year Queen’s University students attending this week’s Freshers’ Fair.
SDLP Cancels "Irresponsible" Pub Crawl
The SDLP has been forced to apologise following news that its youth-wing organised a cheap pub crawl for students. The £1-a-drink pub crawl was advertised through promotions on the party’s Twitter site and through leaflets being handed out to first year Queen’s University students attending this week’s Freshers’ Fair.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
