The Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Fife gets go-ahead for comprehensive public drinking ban

28/10/1997

The main towns and villages in Fife will be covered by new byelaws banning the consumption of alcohol in designated places under plans announced today by Scottish Office Home Affairs Minister Henry McLeish.

Confirming the byelaws made by Fife Council - Scotland's third biggest local authority - Mr McLeish said he hoped the proposals, which cover 44 towns and villages, would prove as effective in cutting the incidence of drink related nuisance as the other byelaws in place throughout the country.

Mr McLeish said:

"Byelaws have been shown to be an effective way in which to deal with the problems caused by drinking in public, especially by youngsters, and this can have a positive effect on crime prevention. It reduces the possibilities for drink related violence, vandalism and the like. And perhaps more importantly is the fact that people feel safer walking the streets when there are fewer groups of intimidating drinkers on street corners.

"It is increasingly clear that these byelaws have a real impact in improving the quality of life and the environment in places where there is significant nuisance associated with public drinking. I will continue to support other local authorities that come forward with byelaw proposals.

"The Fife byelaws, which come into effect on Monday, November 24 cover 44 towns and villages throughout the region. I hope the residents of the new areas covered will soon see the same benefits as residents in areas which already have byelaws."

BACKGROUND

1. Following a successful experiment in the use of byelaws to prohibit public drinking in designated parts of Galashiels, Dundee and Motherwell, other local authorities were invited in 1993 to submit proposals for similar byelaws. All such byelaws must be confirmed by the Secretary of State and 12 Councils have byelaws, covering more than 160 towns and villages, already in place across Scotland.

2. The new byelaws will prohibit drinking in public places in the following places:-

Burntisland, Kinghorn, Dundonald, Bowhill, Auchterderran, Cardenden, Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Thornton, Glenrothes, Leslie, Markinch, Windygates, Kennoway, Buckhaven, Leven, Methil, Methilhill, Cupar, St Andrews, Anstruther, Cellardyke, Kilrenny, Dunfermline, Halbeath, Wellwood, Crossford, Cowdenbeath, Hill of Beath, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Hillend, Rosyth, Kelty, Crossgates, Kincardine, Lochgelly, Lumphinanns, Saline, Steelend, Ballingry, Lochore, Crosshill and Glencraig.