The scene outside the Odyssey Arena in February.
A new campaign has been launched in Derry to highlight the consequences of drinking alcohol on buses.
Derry Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) have teamed up with Translink and the PSNI for the “No Boozing on Board” initiative which is aimed at educating and raising awareness of the fact that it is illegal to consume alcohol on private hire buses and public transport.
In February this year, it was claimed a bus hired to take young people from Derry to the DJ Hardwell gig in Belfast “resembled a mini off-licence.”
Inspector Donna Bowden, Alderman Drew Thompson, PCSP chair and Tony McDaid from Translink, at the launch of the “No Boozing On Board” campaign. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com.
A major incident was declared at the Odyssey Arena when 17 young people were taken to hospital and around a hundred more treated by paramedics for the effects of alcohol and drugs.
The new campaign was initiated by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Environment in the lead up to Tennants Vital and Belsonic events being held in Belfast this month.
The campaign was developed by both Departments following a period of consultation in response to issues and concerns raised following the Hardwell concert.
All key partners are involved in the delivery of this campaign to try and ensure that when members of the public are attending concerts or events that they do not arrive at the venue in a state where they may be turned away or indeed require medical attention either prior to or after the event.
Speaking on the campaign, Alderman Drew Thompson, chairperson of the Derry PCSP welcomed the initiative.
He said: “I am aware that most operators in the city and district adhere to the no alcohol policy on buses and act responsibly in relation to this.
“However, this is an opportune time to remind operators and concert goers of the implications of consuming alcohol when travelling to and from events.”
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