Police watchdog warns concert goers of booze ban

Alderman Drew Thompson, PCSP Chair, Tony McDaid from Translink and Inspector Donna Bowden, who have launched the new No Boozing On Board campaign. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.

The Londonderry Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is warning young people that boozing on buses is illegal after a consultation in the wake of an infamous DJ Hardwell gig in Belfast in February.

The PSNI declared a ‘major incident’ after more than 100 young people were treated by paramedics for the effects of alcohol and, in some cases drugs, at the Odyssey gig.

Now, with hundreds of local young people heading to the Belsonic and Vital concerts this week, the local police watchdog is warning boozing on buses is against the law. Alderman Drew Thompson, Chair of the PCSP said: ”We welcome this initiative by the government departments and are keen to promote the campaign locally.

“I am aware that most operators in the city and district adhere to the no alcohol policy on buses and act responsibly in relation to this.

“However, this is an opportune time to remind operators and concert goers of the implications of consuming alcohol when travelling to and from events.”

The region-wide campaign was initiated by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Environment in the lead up to the Vital and Belsonic events.

The campaign was developed by both Departments following a period of consultation in response to issues and concerns raised following a DJ Hardwell concert held in the Odyssey arena last year.

It aims to educate and raise awareness of the fact that it is illegal to consume alcohol on private hire buses and public transport and is a multi-agency response to the issues faced.