HomeAlcohol bye-laws and on-street drinking
We want everyone to feel safe in Belfast, so we're
working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other groups to enforce alcohol bye-laws in public areas.
The PSNI can confiscate alcohol, take the names of offending drinkers and then pass them onto us so we can prosecute them.
This forms part of our ongoing work to reduce underage and on-street drinking. We also run education and awareness sessions in communities and schools throughout Belfast.
When you're out and about, please be aware that:
- anyone over the age of 18 caught drinking in a specified non-drinking area may be prosecuted and could face a fine of up to £500
- anyone under the age of 18 caught drinking will have their details passed on to the PSNI Youth Diversion Officer and have a letter sent to their parents. We may also use an acceptable behaviour contract as an early intervention method to encourage positive behaviour.
- alcohol at parades will be confiscated (this may be extended to include other events such as festivals).
Alcohol bye-laws 2007
You can download the bye-laws relating to the consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places in the Belfast City Council area, in operation from 12 September 2007.Download the Alcohol Bye-laws 2007 PDF 423 KB, 68 pages
