People caught drinking in the streets of Peterhead could be charged without warning if rule changes are approved this morning.
Aberdeenshire Council implemented a public drinking byelaw in the town in 2011 and is now considering altering its wording to bring it into line with a similar by-law in Fraserburgh.
In the neighbouring port, people caught drinking alcohol from an open container can be charged even if they stop and dispose of the liquid.
In Peterhead, they have to be warned of the rules by a police officer first.
Buchan area committee will discuss the proposal at the meeting today.
Ritchie Johnston, the council’s director of business services, has called for its members to approve the change.
“The continued existence of the by-law encourages civic pride in the town, reduces instances of crime and antisocial behaviour, making the town more attractive to visit thus promoting public safety,” he said.
“Amendments to the penalties outlined within the byelaw will make enforcement of breaches of its terms easier for Police Scotland to enforce, reducing crime and enhancing public safety within the town.”
The proposed change has also been backed by police, the fire service, and several town centre businesses.
In a letter of support, senior pastor Neil Cameron of the town’s Apex Church, said: “For the benefit of community safety we support your proposal to amend the by-law to fall in line with Fraserburgh’s by-law.”
Sandra Duncan, of Duncans Cycles, said; “Drummers Corner and indeed the town centre on a fine summer’s day can be full of people drinking cheap lager, cider and spirits.
“They lower the tone of the town and undo any good works that community groups are trying to do to encourage people to shop in Peterhead.”
And Elizabeth Sutherland, director of Something Special, said the change would be a “major help” in cleaning up the town centre.
Figures since 2015 show that 30 people have been charged, fined or warned about public drinking in Fraserburgh.
Over the same period, just two people have been fined through the rules in Peterhead.
If approved, a new draft version of the plans will be submitted to the Scottish Government for confirmation.
Anyone who breaches the by-law could face a maximum fine of £500.
