THE late introduction of alcohol-free zones on the Town seafront for Liberation Day was a judgement call. Home minister Geoff Mahy said approval of the legislation had come at the eleventh hour and a difficult decision had been taken to use it.
‘We felt that on balance it was better to bring the law in at the last minute than not to use it at all,’ he said.
‘If what is a family day on the seafront was spoiled through alcohol-related irresponsible behaviour and we had not used the law, I think we would have been criticised even more.’
He said there were still be plenty of licensed places for people to drink if they wanted and some alfresco areas.
‘From the feedback I have been getting from various people in the community, they seem to be welcoming this and Culture and Leisure’s decision to give the fair a miss. It’s nice to have something different and we’re hoping the weather is good and Town will be a place of enjoyment for people of all ages.’
Deputy Mahy said the introduction of the law stemmed from the States approval of the new liquor licensing law in October 2005.
The Law Officers had drawn up the legislation for approval by the Privy Council. There was concern that some local legislation was taking a long time to gain Privy Council approval and Chief Minister Mike Torode had raised that at his recent meeting with the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer.
The return of the approved legislation a few days later came as some surprise and it was passed in the Royal Court last week.
Deputy Mahy conceded that the Home Department had been in a difficult position regarding Liberation Day. He had spent a day meeting police chief George Le Page and members of the department’s central services deciding whether to use the law this year.
‘We were sensitive to the fact that Culture and Leisure’s literature made no reference to alcohol-free zones because of the law’s late approval.’
Deputy Mahy said he had consulted with Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association president Peter Leigh, albeit late in the day, and apologised for the timing. He said Mr Leigh had been understanding.
‘Alcohol-free zones will only be used very sparingly in the interests of the community and we felt that Liberation Day, when we can expect 15,000 people in Town, will be an ideal time to have them.’
Article posted on 8th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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