DRINKERS were feeling disgruntled as they were forced to remain mostly in the pubs yesterday. While organisers, police and many families believed the alcohol ban was an overwhelming success, there were still many who wanted more freedom.
It was relatively quiet in the Ship & Crown early in the afternoon.
‘Most years you can’t move in here,’ said Mark Tostevin, 45.
He believed the ban was unnecessary.
‘They had a few arrests last year. There’s always trouble at the fair, always has been with young people drinking, but the drinking ban is not going to stop them drinking. They will still come into the pub or go to off licences.’
He added it was over the top stopping everyone drinking outside.
Hayden Cozens, 20, was also disappointed by the ban. ‘I like to be able to walk about and look at the attractions rather then stay in and drink,’ he said.
He admitted there were always one or two people who caused trouble, but that it had never been that much of a problem in the past.
On the Crown Pier, there were more people who would have welcomed the opportunity to be able to drink alcohol there.
‘I don’t see what the harm is with adults walking around with a can or larger, plastic glasses,’ said Ian Platt, 43.
He added that police were around to ensure under 18s did not have drinks.
The restrictions on drinking were imposed in a surprise last-minute decision by the Home Department.
Speaking early yesterday afternoon, deputy minister Francis Quin said it appeared to be a very good family crowd.
‘It appears the alcohol free zones have been working well up to now and the police are saying there’s been no trouble,’ he added.
‘I wasn’t sure about ‘not having’ the fair, but talking to the parents on North Beach they seem to be happy and say it’s saving them a lot of money.
‘Up to now it seems to be a success. You haven’t had the problems there have been in recent years.’
Article posted on 10th May, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: