No one has been prosecuted for on-street drinking in Derry despite the PSNI's announcement that they are currently tackling a number of 'hotspots' in Derry where they suspect the offence is taking place.
The announcement was made after it was revealed that no one was arrested for on-street drinking offences in Derry in the last year.
Figures obtained by the 'Journal' under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that seven people were reported to D
erry City Council by the PSNI for drinking alcohol in alcohol-free areas.
The PSNI confirmed that on-street drinking is usually dealt with by way of a summons which would be taken out by Derry City Council as the prosecuting authority.
A PSNI spokesperson said; "The Police Service of Northern Ireland take a robust approach to tackling issues surrounding underage drinking and on street drinking.
"As part of this we are currently undertaking a series of operations throughout Northern Ireland, targetting all 'hotspot' areas where underage and on street drinking is known to occur and we will be using all the powers available to us to confiscate alcohol from those who are underage and, where appropriate, making referrals to Youth Diversion Officers for further action to be taken."
A spokesperson for Derry City Councill said no prosecutions have been made for on-street drinking but that several cautions have been issued.
Commenting on the cases referred to the council by the PSNI, a council spokesperson said; "Three of these were issued with an informal caution, and five with a formal caution, no prosecutions were taken.
It's important to note that a formal caution becomes part of an offender's criminal record in that it can be cited if he or she is convicted by a court of any subsequent offence and the court is considering the appropriate penalty to impose.
Generally, policy is that first time offenders are offered the opportunity to accept a formal caution," the spokesperson said.
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