No drinking in public rules to continue in Loch Lomond village

BYLAWS forbidding the drinking of alcohol in some public places in a village beside Loch Lomond are set to be continued after a recommendation to councillors.

The rules for Luss were established in 2006 before being amended in January 2012 and, with 10 years about to elapse since then, they are due for review.

A council officer has recommended no changes are currently required, although a review could take place at any time before the next milestone.

Councillors will be asked to agree to keep the bylaw the same at the council’s last full virtual meeting of 2021, which is on Thursday next week.

Executive director Douglas Hendry said: “The council resolved to makes the bylaws to prohibit the consumption of alcohol within designated public places in Luss in June 2006.

“The bylaws were amended on January 19, 2012 to align the wording with other bylaws across Argyll and Bute Council and to the effect that it is an offence to drink alcohol from a container or be in possession of an open container where it is reasonable to infer a person intended to drink from it.

“Bylaws, once reviewed and established, are in situ for a period of 10 years. If a change of circumstances emerge within the designated areas, byelaws can be reviewed within the 10-year period in line with Scottish Government Guidelines.

“Police Scotland have been consulted on a review of the Consumption of Alcohol Bylaw given their knowledge of crime figures and powers of arrest to tackle alcohol related anti- social behaviour.

“They have advised that the current bylaw still fits its intended purpose and consequently no change is required at this time.

“The community safety tasking and coordinating partnership have also advised they are happy to support this view, adding that there was appropriate signage advising the public of the penalties of drinking in a public place and that the council continued to work with the community in this regard.”

Mr Hendry added: “In light of the advice, it is recommended no change to the bylaw is made at this time. Having completed the regulatory element of the review process we will update the local community council on the outcome, and confirm that should there be any changes within the Luss area in the future, it is possible a formal review could take place.”