Joint team to tackle summer drinking

The Police Service will be working with councils, parade organisers, including the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Royal Black Institution and Associated Clubs of Apprentice Boys of Derry and other partners and event organisers to address drinking at public events.

This is part of a multi-agency strategy to tackle the misuse of alcohol both at a range of public events, as well as across wider society.

Chief Inspector Mark McEwan, Area Commander for North Down, said that the Police Service and its partners hoped to build on the success of last year.

"The vast majority of events pass off peacefully, but when drink becomes involved there is potential for trouble and disorder.

"Over the past number of years, we worked very closely with the Orange Order and other parade organisers and partners to tackle the problem of drinking at public events.