Resort rejects alcohol ban on the beach

PICNICKERS can still enjoy a glass of wine on the beach after community councillors rejected police calls for a ban on outdoor drinking.

Police had urged North Berwick to fall in line with other East Lothian towns, which have a complete ban. The seaside town allows drinking between 6am and 6pm, which police said was "confusing" to the public.

The change to the bylaw had originally been approved last year. But this was overturned by the councillors, who said the existing bylaw was working well. They said most problems with antisocial behaviour took place in the evening. Ian Donald, a representative of the town's business association, said traders also wanted to keep the bylaw.