Festival drinking to be reviewed

David O'Leary • Published 3 Sep 2010 09:30 2 Comments

DISCUSSIONS are to take place between licensing officers, police and Borders festival organisers in a bid to agree a way forward for next year’s festivities following the introduction of new licensing laws.

At a recent meeting of the Licensing Board on Friday August 27, a private report prepared by Lothian and Borders Police on this year’s festivals, and how the new laws were applied was discussed.

Following new off sales regulations introduced as part of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, it was decided this year to monitor licensed premises in the Scottish Borders who were granted early morning extensions to hours in order to accommodate the traditional Common Riding festivities.

Traditionally, festival-goers have bought alcohol in licensed premises which has then been taken out into the street.

However, the change in the law prohibits off sales before 10am and after 10pm. This means that alcohol bought between these times cannot be taken out of the licensed premises for consumption.

Inspector Carol Wood, of Lothian and Borders Police and the Safer Communities Team, said: “Visits to premises by Police Licensing Officers and a Scottish Borders Council Licensing Standards Officer were carried out prior to each festival, however, a number of breaches still occurred and these had to be addressed.

“It is hoped that by having a discussion with festival organisers, a common sense approach can be agreed whereby the law is upheld, whilst still allowing patrons to enjoy the traditional festivals without any organisation being seen to encourage excessive drinking.”

Tory councillor Gavin Logan, convener of the Licensing Board, said: “To some, it now appears that the consumption of alcohol has overtaken the historic value and traditions of many festivals.

"The 2010 Beltane Festival was a huge success and is one where organisers objected to the early extensions issued the previous year to licensed premises.

"As a result, no early extensions were issued this year except for official functions and those attending the festival enjoyed themselves nonetheless.

“We hope that by having this discussion we can strike the right balance at all our local festivals next year, while still abiding by the law.”

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Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  TamMacnumpty
  2 posts
  Sep 10, 10:37
  Report comment

  Away and boil yer heid.
  
  Whits wrang wi gettin bladdered on tha Beltane Friday Nicht parade?
  
  Yer spoilin aw tha fun man.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  KevinR
  Unregistered User
  Oct 5, 09:59
  Report comment

  You have to be bladdered to enjoy the Beltane, it's so blooming dull otherwise!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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