Punters could face fines for boozing during street parties for the Queen’s Jubilee
PUNTERS across Scotland could face hefty fines for boozing during street parties for the Queen’s Jubilee with rules varying across the 32 council areas.
In some cases Royal fans can enjoy a tipple without problems, while in other areas strict rules ban public drinking unless temporary licences are in place.
Anyone breaking rules could be hit with fines of up to £500 with cops insisting they would monitor the celebrations.
Those planning to serve drink or bring their own booze have been urged to check which regulations and bye-laws are in force - decided by each council’s licensing committee
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “City centres are likely to be busy due to the additional public holiday for the Queen’s Jubilee.
“We will ensure there are proportionate policing plans in place across the country.
“Officers will monitor any events and respond accordingly.”
In Glasgow, public drinking isn’t allowed and there have only been two official applications for street party road closures - but organisers didn’t apply for temporary booze licences.
A council spokeswoman said: “There have been no associated applications for an occasional licence (permission to consume alcohol) at these events.
“It would therefore, in terms of our by laws, be against the law to drink alcohol in public at these events – or at any other outdoor events being held without specific permission - in terms of appropriate licensing.”
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Meanwhile, in Edinburgh rules are more relaxed with Royal fans able to enjoy tipples in the street and Princes Street Gardens celebrations.
A spokeswoman said: “The consumption of alcohol is allowed within terms of the alcohol bye-law in place in the City.
“Edinburgh’s more relaxed about these things! The event in the gardens is a community picnic with local entertainment.”
Across Fife, party organisers were urged to apply for licenses before the event.
A spokeswoman said: “If you want to sell alcohol at your event, or supply alcohol as part of the ticket price, you will have to apply for an occasional licence.
“If people wish to bring their own alcohol, you should be aware that many towns and villages are covered by bye-laws which prohibit the consumption of alcohol in outdoor public places.”
A Stirling council spokesman said: “Bye-laws which prohibit public consumption of alcohol remain in place and will apply to street parties.”
North Lanarkshire spokeswoman said: “Drinking in public places isn’t permitted in most populated areas in North Lanarkshire.
“This would be a matter for Police Scotland.”
An Aberdeenshire council spokesman said: “Some events will not require any licences, while some may require a public entertainment licence and/or an occasional licence to sell alcohol.
“The vast majority of events which we have been made aware of have not required any form of licences.”
A Dumfries and Galloway council spokesman said: “You must check whether your event needs a licence or not.
“All events are required to notify the emergency services with information detailing what your festival or event will entail.
A South Lanarkshire council spokeswoman added: “There are bye-laws in place in South Lanarkshire prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places.
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“No amendments have been made to the bye-laws for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.”
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