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There has been a wholehearted welcome on the part of most
people for the PSNI clampdown on antisocial drinking at parades
and demonstrations this year.
Concern has been expressed for some years at the irresponsible
drinking indulged in by many young people on the periphery
of parades of the Loyal Orders.
An Orange chaplain in County Armagh some years ago prefaced
his address on the 'Twelfth' platform by condemning the scenes
of wild drinking he had witnessed among some young people
as the parade earlier made its way through the village.
Many 'Standard' readers in recent years have expressed their
concern at the scenes of drinking at mini-Twelfth parades,
the 12th July itself, and even the Black demonstration in
Scarva on the Thirteenth of July.
Indeed, some people who love watching the Loyal Orders parades
have been so disgusted at the behaviour of the 'blue bag'
brigade that they have stayed away from Orange and Black parades.
That is something that has disturbed Orange and Black leaders,
as well as civic leaders who are sympathetic to the loyalist
cause.
It has not been marchers or participants of Orange and Black
parades who have been responsible for the disturbing scenes
of public drinking at celebrations.
But when antisocial elements have clashed with the police
or annoyed people, such as at Bangor at Easter, it has been
the Loyal Order - in this case the Junior Orange which has
suffered from the adverse publicity and the spillover from
unruly scenes.
The PSNI have been much more vigorous this year, with the
support of parade organisers, and they have been seen to remove
bags of alcohol from young people on the periphery of parades.
This is likely to be the format for future parades, and the
aim is to make all parades spectator friendly, and encourage
families to attend in a tension free atmosphere.
The 'Eleventh' Night bonfires have no direct link with the
Orange Order, but Orangemen, like all responsible citizens,
will support the increasing move by organisers to make these
enjoyable for onlookers.
Parading and bonfires are a vital component of Ulster society,
and have been for generations. That will continue to be the
case, but it will help make them immensely more enjoyable
for everyone if they are held in a pleasant drink-free atmosphere.
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