Lossiemouth drinking ban

Date Added - 23/07/09

A new bylaw banning the consumption of alcohol in public in Lossiemouth will come into force early next month. 

Scottish ministers have approved the draft bylaw drawn up by Moray Council in response to concerns at drunken behaviour in the town, particularly during the annual Lossie raft race. 

The bylaw will come into effect on August 3 – just days ahead of this year’s raft race. 

Signs will be erected around the town warning the public that they face a fine if they breach the bylaw. 

Similar bylaws are already in place in Moray’s other main centres of population to deter drinking in public places and to help reduce anti-social behaviour. 

The draft Lossiemouth bylaw attracted two objections which were over-ruled by the Scottish Government. 

The new law will apply to a defined area which covers most of the town. 

However, there will be a 12-hour period of grace from 6pm on New Year’s Eve until 6am on New Year’s Day. 

Lossiemouth councillor David Stewart has supported the ban and has welcomed the fact it will be in place before this year’s raft race on Sunday, August 9. 

“It will bring Lossiemouth into line with Elgin, Buckie, Forres and Keith,” he said. 

“Lossiemouth Community Council, the police and most of the local businesses are behind it. The raft race is a family day out and the crowds will be able to show that you can have a good time without the need for alcohol.” 

Councillor Stewart also praised solicitor Tim Haynes, of the council’s licensing section, for his work in preparing the bylaw for submission to the Scottish Government.