To help make the Armagh City and surrounding towns and villages safer, the Council introduced bye-laws in 1994 to make it an offence to consume alcohol on the street or in a public place. These are known as the Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor in Designated Places Bye Laws 1994 and specify designated places in Armagh Council Area where consuming alcohol is an offence.
Consuming alcohol on the street or in a public place can lead to anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity. It can also make residents living nearby feel unsafe in their own home.
We work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland who will inform us if they detect anyone breaching the bye-laws.
The PSNI can confiscate alcohol, take the names of offending drinkers and then pass them onto us. Depending on the circumstances of the offence we may either, issue a warning, offer a formal caution or prosecute.
This forms part of our ongoing work to reduce underage and on-street drinking.
When you’re out and about, please be aware that:
- anyone over the age of 18 caught drinking in a designated place may be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £500
- anyone under the age of 18 caught drinking will have their details passed on to the PSNI Youth Diversion Officer. We may also use an acceptable behaviour contract as an early intervention method to encourage positive behaviour.
- patrons of public houses who take their alcohol with them to the street when they go to have a cigarette could be guilty of an offence
If you wish to view a copy of the bye-laws please contact this department.
For more information please contact us:
Contact Details
Environmental Health Department
Armagh City and District Council
The Palace Demesne
Armagh
BT60 4EL
Tel: 028 3752 9626
Fax: 028 3752 7184
Email: ehealth@armagh.gov.uk
