POLICE HAVE pledged to take swift action over people flouting a drinks ban in the centre of Perth.

Groups of people congregating in the Meal Vennel between the Royal Bank and Post Office in South Street have been causing concern for businesses and visitors.

Despite a bye-law banning the public consumption of alcohol, a number of people have been openly drinking in the street.

“It creates a very bad impression of Perth for visitors,” said one business man.

“It is the same culprits who gather in the Meal Vennel, swigging from bottles and even begging from passers-by. I saw one drunk man stagger into the nearby bus stop where he took a seat, scattering the people waiting for a bus.

“South Street is one of the main thoroughfares through Perth. As a group these people could hardly be more visible.

“I know they may have problems but the bye-law was introduced to combat this type of behaviour and should be rigorously enforced.”

Police said they had been made aware of the issue and that action was being taken.

“We have received complaints about anti-social behaviour outside the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Post Office in South Street in Perth,” said a police spokeswoman.

“The local inspector will be meeting with representatives from the post office and the bank next week to discuss their concerns.

“We acknowledge that it is an offence for individuals to drink alcohol in certain areas in Perth city centre and, where officers come across offences taking place, swift action is always taken.”

Perth and Kinross Council said the bye-law had been in place for some years and was in the process of being extended.

“There is currently a bye-law in place banning the consumption of alcohol in the centre of Perth, which has been in place since 1998 and also covers the centres of Crieff and Blairgowrie,” said a council spokesperson.

“It was also extended to cover the whole of Kinross and Milnathort in 2000.

“The bye-law was put in place following concerns regarding anti-social behaviour related to drinking in public places and following consultation with the police and other bodies.

“The council recently made a submission to the Scottish Executive to extend the bye-law to the whole of Perth, Crieff, Alyth and Blairgowrie, following public consultation.

“We are currently awaiting the outcome of this submission.

“The council is also examining the possibility of bye-laws for parks and open spaces in the future.”