MOST of Town will be an alcohol-free zone on Liberation Day. The ban will apply to North Beach, St. Julian’s Esplanade and the Crown and Albert Piers between 11am and 11pm.
Drinking will only be allowed in licensed premises, including any approved alfresco areas, and the hospitality tents on the piers.
People will not be allowed to walk along the seafront carrying glasses of alcohol or to drink from open bottles or cans.
Anyone seen doing so by a police officer will be asked to dispose of it or if they have just left licensed premises, to go back to finish their drink.
But police have vowed not to take a heavy-handed approach.
‘Officers will be seeking to encourage people to comply with the intention of the law. We will be using our powers of persuasion rather than the enforcement powers provided by it,’ said Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy.
The idea of the restriction is to reduce the level of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour which can spoil the family atmosphere.
The zones have been introduced at the request of police following islanders’ concerns about the number of arrests on Liberation Day last year.
After that, the Home Department gave an undertaking to look at what additional measures could reasonably be introduced to curb alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, not just on Liberation Day but also at other events which attract a large number of people, particularly family groups.
At last week’s States meeting, members approved the Control of Intoxicating Liquor (Designated Public Places) Ordinance, 2006.
On Wednesday, the law received Royal Assent and was registered by the Royal Court yesterday.
Today, Home minister Geoff Mahy has exercised his powers under the ordinance and signed an order designating the pedestrianised areas of the St Peter Port seafront as an alcohol free zone.
The department’s decision to introduce the zones was based on advice from police chief George Le Page .
In addition, Deputy Mahy said it was honouring the commitment made following Liberation Day 2006.
It believes the extent and duration of the alcohol-free areas should help to ensure that nobody’s enjoyment is spoilt because of the behaviour of a minority of people who see it as an opportunity to drink to excess and wander along the Quay and the Piers while drinking.
* The restriction on the Albert Pier will be lifted at 6pm when the rock concert starts.
Article posted on 4th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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