Police in the north coast area seized a large amount of alcohol from underage people in Portstewart and Portrush on Easter Monday.
Chief Inspector Mark McClarence said: “The alcohol was seized from young people across the day and into the evening. Excess alcohol impairs judgement and is particularly risky for young people who might not be aware of their limits. The north coast is a fantastic place to live and for people to come and visit. It is the duty of police to keep people safe, both residents and visitors, and this type of proactive policing delivers that.
“I would remind people that buying alcohol for under 18s is an offence. Our officers will be out and about across the summer months, responding to issues of community concern, like underage drinking. I would also ask that parents and guardians know where young people are and what they are up to.
“The north coast is a popular place for people across Northern Ireland. It is a family friendly place and a safe place. Our policing style reflects that, but where offences are being committed, we will take action.”
Are there any statements from Mark McClarence’s fellow officer dealing with Coleraine on Easter Monday? If not, may I suggest the following for the PSNI. ‘Coleraine is a popular place for marching in Northern Ireland. It is a marching friendly place and a safe place for PSNI officers who keep a low profile. Our policing style reflects that, where offences are being committed e.g. underage drinking, urinating in public, fighting etc. we will ignore it if we are able to log more pressing matters like responding to a report of a cat up a tree or a blocked drainpipe. In these cases we will not take action’.