A north-east councillor has warned efforts to ban problem boozing risk ruining people’s quality of life.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Alan Fakley is concerned about the impact of a new by-law on “law-abiding citizens” in the town.
His warning came as the Buchan area committee approved plans to bring the port’s rules over the consumption of alcohol in line with Fraserburgh, where people can be charged even if they throw away the liquid.
Mr Fakley said that while he supported efforts to stamp out drinking on the streets he was concerned the wrong people could be targeted.
He said: “The Peterhead alcohol prohibition covers the whole town. I find that extremely unfair.
“I can have a drink, which I enjoy in moderation, in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh but I can’t have a drink in Eden Park.
“I can have a drink at Cruden Bay but can’t in the Lido.
“So my quality of life and those of the other law-abiding citizens in the town could now be subject to criminal prosecution due to the behaviour of a few.”
He added: “I do understand the rationale to the amendments and any help that can be given to the police is welcome.”
Peterhead North and Rattray councillor Anne Allan said she was “delighted” by the change and said it was aimed at “problem drinkers”.
She said: “It is really to tackle problem drinkers and it is the police that have informed it
“The police are not going to arrest somebody at the Lido or in Eden Park.
“It really is to address problem drinkers.”
Aberdeenshire Council legal officer Iain Meredith said police in Peterhead have found the present rules “extremely frustrating.”
He said: “Currently if someone is found consuming alcohol in a public place in Peterhead the police officer is required to give that person a warning before charging them with contravention of the by-law.
“That is something Police Scotland have found extremely frustrating because it limits the power they have.”
The proposals already had the backing of local businesses, the police and fire brigade.
A draft version of the by-law for will be submitted to the Scottish Government for confirmation.
Anyone caught breaching the rules faces a fine of up to £500.