The City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police will use bye-law powers to help deal with anti-social drinkers at a site in the city centre.
The Council and Police have been working in partnership with the University of Edinburgh to find a longer-term solution to drinkers who gather in Nicolson Square and Bristo Square.
Over the summer, the Council and partners have been working with voluntary sector agencies to engage with some of the people who gather at these sites. It is hoped that the robust bye-law will stamp out the problem of drinking so the local community can be safe and attractive for everyone.
Signs are now displayed around the squares prohibiting the consumption of alcohol within these areas.
Local residents and businesses have received leaflets informing them that that Nicolson Square and Bristo Square will now be designated ‘no drinking of alcohol’ zones in accordance with the Consumption of Alcohol in Designated Public Places Byelaws 2006.
Councillor Paul Edie, Community Safety Leader, said: ‘Anti-social behaviour is blight on ordinary communities and we are working with the Police to inform people that anti-social behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated. The new signs will give out a firm message that we are prepared to use bye-laws and other tools to diminish disorder and to stop anti-social behaviour at these squares before it becomes a problem again.’
Superintendent John Hawkins from Lothian and Borders police said ‘These byelaws are another example of how good partnership working can make a real difference to communities. We know that issues such as anti social behaviour have a huge effect on local neighbourhoods and through this sort of enforcement, combined with our commitment to community engagement, we will make communities safer.’
Adam Conn, Head of Security at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We welcome any initiative that helps to improve the quality of life in the local community.”
Council bye-laws were already used at Portobello Beach during the summer.
