Boozy Fleadh goers face £500 fine

But Derry City Council has confirmed that it is reviewing strict city bye-laws to see if they can fit more easily with a major programme of outdoor events planned for the city over the next two years.

Londonderry’s local authority is death on booze and its strict street drinking bye-laws enforced since October 2009, ban the consumption of alcohol in public places. This may prove awkward during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which is scheduled to be held here as part of Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.

Traditionally, the music festival involves a week of competition and culminates in a weekend of music sessions often spilling from public houses onto the street.

People breaking the Londonderry street drinking bye-laws in 2013, however, will risk fines of up to £500. During the last year alone 56 people have been cautioned for boozing in public in the city.

Notwithstanding the strict booze embargo a spokesperson for Derry City Council said it was “looking at a range of options moving forward in relation to the bye-laws and how they fit with major outdoor events in the run up to and during 2013.”

The spokesperson explained that the current bye-laws empower Council to prosecute those found to be in breach of the legislation.

“The Council is the enforcing authority, but can only take enforcement action on foot of a report of an alleged breach of the bye-law from the police.

“The only enforcement power available to Council is to prosecute for breach of the bye-law before the Magistrates’ Court for which the court, on conviction can only impose a maximum penalty of £100.

“During last year (21st March 2011 to 22nd March 2012) 56 Cautions were signed and 18 Summons were issued in relation to alleged breaches of the bye-law from the police,” the spokesperson told the paper.”

Whilst most people caught drinking in the street are cautioned the maximum penalty is a hefty £500.

The spokesperson explained: “Reports are prepared and reported to Council on a monthly basis with a view to Council determining what action should be taken on foot of same.

“Any person offending against these Bye-Laws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500. First time offenders can be issued with a caution, while those who don’t take up the offer and repeat offenders may face prosecution.”

But Derry City Council is looking at ways of accommodating a range of forthcoming festivities which could find revellers on the wrong side of the law.

“The Council is looking at a range of options moving forward in relation to the byelaws and how they fit with major outdoor events in the run up to and during 2013,” the spokesperson revealed.