Outdoor drink plan rejected

VILLAGERS have rejected calls for an outdoor drinking ban, saying it would harm the area's reputation as a tourist spot.

Most towns in East Lothian already ban drinking in outdoor public places, and police had proposed extending this to cover the whole county.

But a survey of households in Gifford found an overwhelming majority opposed the idea. Residents said a ban would hit tourists and locals, who wanted to enjoy a drink with their summer picnic.

The bans have proved effective in other areas of the County and parts of the Capital.