Kilcooley Community Forum: New Decade for Development

FORUM

07 July, 2010

Just a few Questions and Answers Regarding Drinking Over the Holidays.

If a person (over 18yrs) is walking down through Bangor with an unopened carry out inside a plastic bag on e.g. the Twelfth of July, can this be confiscated if he/she is with someone over 18yrs who is openly drinking alcohol?

All legislation in relation to Parades is covered in Section 13 of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. In the above scenario if the officer suspects that person is consuming then they request the alcohol is surrendered and the person provides their name and address, failure to comply is an offence. The officers’ suspicion can arise because a couple of cans are missing, the person smells of alcohol, their friend is drinking, etc.

Can a group of individuals have their alcohol confiscated (even though it is unopened and in bags) if they are standing watching a parade with someone who is openly consuming alcohol?

Same answers as above

If alcohol is confiscated – is it retrievable?

The alcohol is surrendered to prevent the person being prosecuted for an offence. The officer can dispose of the alcohol in such a manner as they think is appropriate.

Are there specific areas in Bangor where no alcohol etc are allowed whether open, closed or in plastic bags?

New conditions of entry brought in by land owners now means that you can no longer have alcohol at Helens Bay beach, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Stricklands Glen, Pickie and the piers, Ward Park and Ballyholme Beach including Banks car park.

Do PSNI have authorisation to dispose of the confiscated contents in a public ‘street’ bin?

Any alcohol surrendered can be disposed of in a manner the officer thinks appropriate, this would include a public bin.

Does legislation change on certain days for certain events?

For 6 hrs before a parade and until midnight on the day of the parade, section 13 of the Parades legislation applies to the route and vicinity. All other times council by laws apply for adults drinking in designated areas, or the enforcement of conditions of entry, as stated above.

Does the PSNI and Council legislation on Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor in designated places differs at various times throughout the year?

See above

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