Drunk yobs face beach arrest

Published on Thursday 15 July 2010 17:35

YOBS drinking heavily on Portobello beach are set to be fined by police and could face arrest in a new crackdown launched in the wake of recent violence at the beauty spot.

Officers have been given powers through a local by-law to hand out 40 fines to anyone drinking alcohol on the beach then causing disorder throughout the summer months.

The move follows a May bank holiday weekend which was marred by binge drinking and fighting among a group of about 20 people.

Now Portobello beach has become the only area in Edinburgh where the local by-law is being enforced in a bid to reduce the threat of drink-related antisocial behaviour.

The action has been welcomed by members of Portobello's Pubwatch scheme, which binds together bars in the area to combat troublemakers.

Inspector Kevin McLean, from Portobello police station, said the ban on antisocial drinking would run from the High Street to the beach, and from Eastfield to Seafield.

Insp McLean added: "This is not aimed at people enjoying a family picnic or barbecue. This is targeted at the minority who cause problems.

"During that May weekend, we had people fighting and young adults drinking and running about the beach. Officers will be able to use their discretion to stop people who are drinking too much and starting to cause a nuisance."

Officers from Portobello's Safer Neighbourhood Team and city council staff have been working to identify and tackle drink-related antisocial behaviour through Operation Drifter.

Chief Inspector Tony Beveridge said: "During a recent bank holiday weekend we estimated that several thousand people had made their way to Portobello beach and it was apparent to our officers that some were drinking very heavily.

"We dealt with many complaints of antisocial and threatening behaviour, most of which were drink-related.

"Whilst we are delighted to welcome people to Edinburgh who wish to enjoy themselves, it is important that they respect the rights of others to do the same.

"Those who obey the law while enjoying an alcoholic drink will not be targeted."

Jim Hunter, the city council's east neighbourhood manager, said: "We support efforts to ensure a minority of people do not spoil it for others."

Cllr Maureen Child, whose ward includes Portobello, said: "Nobody wants to stop people having a sociable drink on the beach, or interfere with local pubs, but a line needs to be drawn."

YOUR SAY: Should all boozing on the beach be banned?

Alex Lawrie, 36, writer, Colinton: "No, that seems excessive but minors should obviously be under greater scrutiny by police in that situation."

Sean Wood, 25, IT manager, Polwarth: "Not at all. It seems unfair that people who enjoy a drink responsibly should miss out because of some unruly youths."