Drinking ban brought in to cut antisocial behaviour

A BAN on drinking in one of the city's largest public squares has come into force in an attempt to reduce the growing number of antisocial incidents.

• Bristo Square has been plagued by drunks

New laws now forbid drinking alcohol in Bristo Square after the council and police joined forces with Edinburgh University to tackle problems at the site.

The ban comes into force at the same time as similar measures to prohibit drinking at nearby Nicolson Square, which locals say has been blighted by street drinkers in recent years.

Signs went on display yesterday informing the public that drinking alcohol in the area is now banned.

Councillor Paul Edie, the council's community safety leader, said: "The new signs will give out a firm message that we are prepared to use bylaws and other tools to diminish disorder and to stop antisocial behaviour at these squares before it becomes a problem again."

The council said local residents and businesses had received leaflets informing them that Nicolson Square and Bristo Square would now be designated "no drinking of alcohol" zones.

Superintendent John Hawkins from Lothian and Borders police said: "These bylaws are another example of how good partnership working can make a real difference to communities.

"We know that issues such as antisocial 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."

Bylaws have already been used in Hunter Square and on Portobello beach to clamp down on drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Nicolson Square was renovated in 2008 but some of the seats have already been removed to deter loitering. CCTV cameras have also been installed.

Last month university chiefs began a crackdown on dangerous skateboarders and abusive drunks harassing students.

The area had previously been covered by CCTV but the cameras were removed to allow refurbishment to the Adam Ferguson and Chrystal Macmillan buildings and never put back up.

Adam Conn, head of security at the university, said he was supportive of the latest moves to prevent street drinking.

He said: "We welcome any initiative that helps to improve the quality of life in the local community."