KILCULLEN: 8 May 2001: by Brian Byrne. New bye laws to control possession and consumption of alcohol in public places in Kilcullen (above) have been put in place.
The bye laws are similar to those which have been enacted for other towns in the county and forbids consumption or possession of an unsealed container of alcohol in any public place in the town.
Such public places include footpaths, footways or roads, or any place to which the public has a right of access, including parks, open space, green areas and areas used by the public along any stream, river, or other watercourse.
Cemetaries, schoolyards and church grounds are also included in the designation of public places. Private homes and gardens are exempt from the bye laws, as are tables and chairs outside pubs which have been designated as suitable for drink licences and for which a licence has been granted.
Fixed-payment 'on the spot' fines of £25 can be imposed on anyone contravening the bye laws, while summary conviction in a court can mean fines of up to £500.
Kildare County Council is responsible for implementation and enforcement of the bye laws, which came into force on 1 March. "Proper implementation should mean that Kilcullen's people can properly enjoy our amenities, such as our Valley Park, without being disturbed by outdoor drinkers or what they leave behind after a drinking session," one long-time local resident told KNN at the weekend.
