By Paul Reoch

MOVES TO extend the ban on drinking in public in Perthshire have been broadly welcomed.

The decision to introduce these by-laws, which was approved this week by the Scottish Executive, now means that alcohol will be banned in public places in Perth, Blairgowrie, Alyth and Crieff from February 24. It was already in place in central Perth.

Justice minister Cathy Jamieson said, “The Scottish Executive has agreed to confirm by-laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places made by Perth and Kinross Council on November 28.”

Perth and Kinross Council have shown a determined effort to clamp down on binge drinking and anti-social behaviour, and last night John Swinney, North Tayside MSP, told The Courier that the announcement would find favour in his constituency concerning Blairgowrie and Alyth.

He said, “A number of constituents had raised their concerns with me over the impact of alcohol consumption in public places in both of these towns and I raised this with Ms Jamieson. She informed me that the by-laws were in the process of being approved.

“Much of the anti-social behaviour that has concerned constituents stems from alcohol abuse.

“Measures such as the by-law are required to ensure that decent law-abiding citizens are free to go about their business without having to confront the dangers of alcohol abuse.

“I hope that Tayside Police will make every effort to enforce this ban and improve the quality of life of my constituents.”

Councillor Ian Miller, whose ward includes Alyth and Old Rattray, described the announcement as “fantastic news.”

“We have been waiting for these new powers to be finalised for some time now,” he said.

“In some ways it is sad that we need to introduce such by-laws, but it was clear to me that the role of Tayside Police in controlling instances of alcohol abuse in public would be very much simplified if their actions were backed up by these new powers.

“I have therefore been actively pursuing their implementation by Perth and Kinross Council for some considerable time.

“This news is the culmination of much hard work and I would praise the joint action taken by Tayside Police, Alyth community council and Perth and Kinross Council throughout this legal process.”

A police spokesman for said, “We were involved in the consultation process and welcome this decision.

“It will assist Tayside Police and our partners in developing the good work undertaken in Perth city centre, with regard to dealing with anti-social and criminal behaviour and enhancing public safety, to other areas.”

Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, also voiced his approval of the legislation.

“I am glad that the Scottish Executive has agreed with Perth and Kinross Council to ban the drinking of alcohol in public places in Perth, Blairgowrie, Crieff and Alyth,” he said. “The council is best judged to know whether these by-laws should be put into place and I support their objective in reducing the nuisance and public disorder that can all too regularly be associated with public drinking.

“I have had constituents complain to me about problems caused by people drinking too much in public places. These by-laws will hopefully see a big reduction in disorderly and drunken behaviour in the communities where these by-laws will come into force.

“I shall monitor the progress of these new by-laws when they are implemented in order to see whether they are making the positive difference that they are intended to do.”

Consultation on the by-laws took place between the council, the police, the procurator fiscal and the respective community councils.