Borderers urged to share views on potential alcohol by-law plans

That’s the message being sent out by Scottish Borders Council’s chief legal officer, Nuala McKinlay, as she consults community councillors in the four potential pilot towns – Galashiels, Eyemouth, Peebles and Hawick.

She told the last’s latest meeting: “Most importantly, I would like to emphasise that this is not a done deal. It has not been decided that a by-law will be introduced in Hawick or any other town.

“What we want more than anything else is to encourage communities across the whole of the Borders to participate as fully as possible with this second-stage consultation.”

Reaction here: https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/concern-voiced-over-hawick-booze-ban-bid-2448153

Last May, the local authority carried out a survey to try to establish whether or not people think drinking in public places is causing a problem.

The results were mixed, with 36% agreeing that is the case and 44% saying it isn’t. The remaining 20% were unsure.

Councillors then decided to hold a second consultation to gather views on whether a by-law pilot, costing around £2,000, should be implemented in four towns.

Hawick Community Council chairman Cameron Knox said: “I would urge as many people as possible to take part. It’s up to you what happens with this consultation.”

That consultation, looking at whether there is support for an alcohol by-law in each of the four towns, which areas it could cover, any potential expemptions and the expected impact, is open until Wednesday, May 6, online at scotborders.citizenspace.com

Borderers can also request a paper copy at contact centres or libraries or by emailing liquorandlicensing
@scotborders.gov.uk or calling 01835 826662.