AQW 4162/16-21

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/09/2016
Answered On Date: 10/10/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether he plans to update the existing legislative framework for local councils to deal with on-street drinking.

Answer:

My Department is responsible for drinking in public bye-laws which are made under Section 90 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972. Under the bye laws it is an offence for a person to consume alcohol in designated areas.

While powers exist under the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 to deal with anti-social behaviour associated with the consumption of alcohol in public places, it has not been possible to introduce them.

I understand my colleague the Justice Minister has asked her officials to scope out, in association with relevant stakeholders, how a holistic review of anti-social behaviour, and its associated issues such as on -street drinking, can be taken forward.