Working in partnership to tackle drinking at parades and events
30 Jun 2010
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 and event organisers to address drinking at public events.
Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum, District Commander for South and East Belfast said that the Police Service and its partners hoped to build on the success of last year.
"The vast majority of events pass off peacefully, but when drink becomes involved there is potential for trouble and disorder.
"Over the past number of years, we worked very closely with the Orange Order and other parade organisers and partners to tackle the problem of drinking at public events. Last year on the 12 and 13 of July we made 249 seizures across Northern Ireland netting 4,771 items of alcohol
"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 bye-laws, and where possible will confiscate or seize alcohol and report people to local councils, the PPS, or Youth Diversion Officers," he said.
Chief Superintendent McCrum 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 be 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 also been working closely with Loyal Orange Lodges and other stakeholders in Belfast to reinforce the message that parks and many streets are alcohol -free zones, and that you could be prosecuted and face a fine for drinking alcohol in public.
This is part of the council's ongoing work to reduce underage drinking and reduce antisocial behaviour in their parks and leisure facilities.
