Welcome For Peterhead Street Drinking Ban

Local SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed confirmation from Justice Secretary Kenny Macaskill that the by-law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places in Peterhead will take effect from 20 February.

Mr Stevenson has been a long-time campaigner for Aberdeenshire Council to introduce a by-law banning street drinking.

The MSP, who has been on several late-night patrols with Grampian Police on a Saturday night/Sunday morning shift, says that the introduction of the ban should lead to less anti-social behaviour.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This has been a long-time coming and my mailbag and feedback from constituents indicates that this new by-law will be very welcome.

“People consuming alcohol in public in the town centre doesn’t create a very welcoming environment.  While it’s not a wide-spread problem, there are particular places where this is an issue.  I know from other towns which have introduced similar by-laws that this will very quickly get to the root of the problem.”

Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillor Stephen Smith added:

“While we’re fortunate in Peterhead in that we don’t have an extensive problem with street drinking, there are problems which need action to address them.

“The important thing is that we give the local police the tools to do the job so that if people are creating a nuisance in a public place as a result of alcohol, they can be dealt with. 

“I know from colleagues in Elgin and Lossiemouth where they have also introduced street drinking bans that these have been very successful so I’m sure it will be equally as effective in Peterhead.”