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The Police Service will again be working with parade organisers
and partner agencies to take a robust approach to underage
and on street drinking this summer.
This is part of a multi-agency strategy to tackle the misuse
of alcohol both at a range of public events, as well as across
wider society.
Over the summer months the Police Service will be working
with councils, parade organisers, including the Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland, Royal Black Institution and Associated Clubs
of Apprentice Boys of Derry and other partners to address
drinking at public events.
Superintendent Peter Loughins, who heads up the alcohol strategy,
said that the Police Service and its partners hoped to build
on the success of last year.
"The reality is that the vast majority of events pass
off peacefully, but when drink becomes involved there is potential
for trouble and disorder.
"In 2008 we worked very closely with the Orange Order,
other parade organisers and partners to tackle the problem
of drinking at public events. In Belfast alone 3,000 items
of drink were seized on the Twelfth.
"This year we will again be working to ensure that everyone,
whether they are attending parades or not, can enjoy their
activities safely and peacefully. The Police Service, parade
organisers and other partners will be handing out leaflets
prior to public events encouraging people not to drink either
on a parade route or on the street, and informing them that
it is illegal to do so.
"Officers will not hesitate to enforce legislation and
by-laws, and where possible will confiscate alcohol and report
people to local councils, the PPS, or Youth Diversion Officers,"
he said.
Superintendent Loughins added: "We want people to have
a good day out, but to do it responsibly. It will only be
a success if people make it a success. Drinking excessively
can lead to anti-social behaviour, people feeling intimidated,
assaults and other crime. It is all communities that pay the
price, so I would urge people to think before they drink.
"Whilst officers will be taking a robust approach to
drinking at public events, we can only police the symptoms
- it is crucial that everyone continues to work together to
address the root causes. That isn't going to happen overnight.
It will take the commitment of everyone over a longer period
of time, and requires education, encouragement and enforcement."
Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of
Ireland, said:
"The abuse of alcohol is an increasing problem for society
throughout the British Isles and Northern Ireland is no exception
from that general trend.
"The Orange Institution does not wish to see alcohol
abused in any way at any of our events or parades over the
summer period.
"We are therefore appealing to our members and supporters
to refrain from consuming alcohol at our events and in all
circumstances obey the relevant laws and byelaws.
"The misuse of alcohol can put people off attending
our parades and we will be co-operating with the PSNI to ensure
all our parades and events pass off peacefully and can by
enjoyed by everyone."
Belfast City Council is one of the Councils working in partnership
with the police and event organisers to tackle illegal drinking
in the city during the summer period.
The council's community safety team has provided information
to Loyal Orange Lodges in Belfast, reminding them that streets
and parks are alcohol-free zones, and anyone caught drinking
alcohol in public may be prosecuted and face a fine.
This is part of the council's ongoing work to reduce underage
drinking and stop people from drinking on streets and in our
parks and leisure facilities.
Additional Notes
People attending parades and events this summer are reminded
that it is illegal to:
· Drink alcohol in any designated street or public
place
· Drink alcohol on the route of a public procession
(this applies six hours prior to the parade taking place)
Police will also exercise the power to seize alcohol in the
possession of anyone under the age of 18 in a public place.
In addition, any adults found purchasing or supplying alcohol
for use by juveniles may be liable for prosecution.
Police have been working with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland,
Associated Clubs of Apprentice Boys of Derry, Royal Black
Institution, as well as other organisations, to help ensure
that people at parades and events refrain from drinking at
parades.
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