Bye-Laws

Alcohol bye-laws and on-street drinking

We work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other groups to enforce alcohol bye-laws in public areas. 

This is especially important during the summer when illegal on-street drinking is more common. 

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 support the Civic Alcohol Forum in their promotion of sensible drinking. 

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.
• alcohol at parades will be confiscated (this may be extended to include other events such as festivals).

Alcohol bye-laws 2009

You can download the bye-laws relating to the consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places in the Derry City Council area, in operation from 28 October 2009. 

  Download the Alcohol Bye-laws 2009 PDF