Bylaws in the local area

[Oneeyedvic]

I have been told that there is a bylaw that prohibits people drinking alcohol from an open container in our borough in the town centre.

I am not convinced that this is true (it certainly wasn't a few years ago).

Who should I contact to find out - the borough council or the police?

[sandyRoe]

The council offices would know. Here in Belfast there are regular reports in local papers of people being fined about £60 for street drinking

[jackthehat]

There are often small notices affixed to lamposts marking out the area where there is such a prohibition....it might be worth having a closer look around to see if that is the case in your town centre.

[Maydup]

It is true in our closest town too, but I'm not sure how people are supposed to know about it. I never see any signs aboout the streets but I just remember reading the articles in the paper when it came into force. Here its a straight ban on drinking alcohol regardless of the container.

As Sandy says, check with the council - maybe its on the website?

[carrot99]

look for Controlled Drinking Zones on your council's website - we've got them in the Royal Borough of Greenwich...

[Oneeyedvic]

It is a park in particular, and there are no signs.
I have checked the council website and there are no references to controlled zones

Will call them tomorrow

[woofgang]

Its true of Southampton. When the German Fair comes at christmas and sells gluwein, they have a marked off area that you are allowed to drink it in and the council give a special dispensation.

[grffindoor2011]

This question clearly sums up why that old adage 'ignorance is no defence' is a farcical piece of nonsense.

If someone is having to come on here or check with a council or the police to see if something is illegal, then there is every defence for those that have not been told or taken the time to check.

The council should know, but I would ask for written acknowledgment stating the bylaw if it may affect you. Don't accept 'i think so' or 'yes that's right' verbally.

[shaneystar2]

If you are talking about St Georges park Vic then get in touch with the council.
They have spent loads making into a nice area and it's being spoilt by druggies and alkies .
Don't hold your breath though :)

[Oneeyedvic]

I am indeed Shaney - I was the Chairman of the Friends Group (community group) when the £2 Million was spent on it. At the time the park was not a designated area - the drunks could only be moved on if they were causing a public nuisance. Apparently a bylaw has been introduced that has banned open alcohol in all town centre areas including the park.

Will be interesting to find out.

[ABerrant]

St George’s Amenity Area and St George’s Park are both designated areas specified within the byelaw relating to the Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor.

http://www.great-yarm...ov.uk/view/GYBC108602

An offender is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale (£500).

[shaneystar2]

Me again Vic ... Go round and see Brandon Lewis at his surgery .
He's the local MP .Mind you now he's now a junior minister .Will he have time for the locals complaints ?
Btw ..often pass your shop on my way to the library ...you have done well there.It looks great and I hope you are doing well .

[EDDIE51]

There is such a ban in our town centre and park but there are notices up about it. I am sure there must be notices if there is a ban.
It is a discretionary ban anyway not an outright one, people causing a problem drinking would be moved on or have the drink confiscated where a family having a quite picnic with a glass of wine would be left alone.

[emmie]

from what i know of bye laws, they are ignored by a large swathe of the community. Especially where our nice parks are concerned , drinkers, drug addicts, dogs roaming freely, cyclists riding through, no one seems to take any notice, more's the pity.

[Oneeyedvic]

Thanks Shaney, you are very kind