Councils in Scotland are seeking to ban outdoor drinking for fear of trouble and extra noise from smokers.
According to reports in Scotland on Sunday, a glass of wine with a picnic in the famous parks of Edinburgh could soon be outlawed.
The Scottish Executive told the paper six councils had applied for bans or extensions of existing regulations.
According to the paper the councils fear arguments and violence as pub-goers take their drinks outside and therefore want to introduce blanket bans on outdoor drinking.
An Edinburgh City Council source is quoted as saying: "There have only been a few reports of disturbances because of the smoking ban.
"But where they are happening they are causing real problems for people and they are contributing to the problems of noise and anti-social behaviour caused more generally by outdoor drinking. As more people take their drinks outside that is only going to get worse."
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Your CommentsRobert Feal-Martinez via email 02/05/2006"This shows the sheer lunacy of smoking bans and their knock on effects. What about the thousands of out door concerts, where there are bars. What about the events where you are allowed to take your own. I love, The Leeds Castle Open Air Classical concert held yearly, where 30'000 people concregate around the grounds and listen to wonderful music. This event attracts, all ages, and all types. It is a magnificent day out, like many others. Did those clamouring for a ban expect that this would happen, I think not. It is not too late to stop this madness. Sign Freedom to Choose's petitions. Make your voice heard The House of Lords are listening lets get the message over loud and clear. The Public do not want out right bans in Hospitality establishments, they want choice."
Meredith Davenport via email 02/05/2006"I disagree with Mr Feal-Martinez. I am delighted with the smoking ban - if he doesn't like it he should stay home like non-smokers used to have to do. And I would be very happy if alcohol was banned at concerts. There is nothing worse than having a concert spoiled by drunken men getting carried away. It is dangerous and ruins the day for everyone."
Bill Gibson via email 02/05/2006"Meredith...Unfortunately Bob's pub is also his home. What is happening to this once proud nation I ask...gone are the days that people went around with a smile on their face or whistled a happy tune. Life in Britain is now increasingly similar to the former Eastern Block countries and yes these poor souls have moved here to escape oppression in their own homeland or so we are told.
It would appear that the days that I can take a picnic lunch including a half bottle of wine to share with my wife in the public park maintained by our taxes will soon disappear. If this is the future of Britain...it is clearly time to depart these shores.
Hello USA...Land of the Free"
Robert Feal-Martinez via email 02/05/2006"So Meredith, no smoking, no alcohol, what about tea or coffee is that alright. Slightly judgemental Meredith if you had visited this or a number of other sites, you would have known I am a life long never smoker, however unlike you I know someone elses smoke whilst irritating at times will not harm me. As for alcohol, like any drug over useage is troublesome. However to 'tar' everyone with the same brush, smacks of HMG's one size fits all solutions. I have attended many concerts, many football matches, many social events, both socially and in my former role as a policeman and unlike the 'media' scare tactics I can say acts of violent disorder are still rare. It's all in the perception, 'drunk' in some peoples mind translates to trouble. You are right in one respect that you don't need alcohol to enjoy yourself. However I have a cousin who doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, is celibate. He's the life and soul of every family gathering. NOT."
Peter Harvey via email 02/05/2006"I agree with Robert Feal-Martinez and I also believe Everybodies going mad, are we in some sort of competition to see what to ban next? I'm sure the plots been lost, do you realy think the non smoking population are going to start going to the pub again, some yes mabe but I dont think youre going to move most of them from infront of their mind numbing 100s of channels on TV or cheap booze from off sales and supermarkets, they have a choice now my pub has a no smoking area like many 1000s of other pubs and clubs, and we do quite well with both smokers and non smokers.
I am a non smoker but I have a big issue with being told how to run my life."
John Ellis via email 02/05/2006"Peter Harvey is quite right - "they" are looking for what to ban next. My old friend, customer and M.P. for Telford, David Wright, has floated the idea of a complete alcohol ban on when driving. The nany state should concentrate on enforcing the existing law on people who have clearly had too much, rather than criminalising the law-abiding citizen who pops in for a quick one on the way home, or enjoys a glass of wine over sunday lunch. The last thing this country needs is the "More Law" brigade. Just enforce what we already have (A.D.Z.'s are another example)!
By the way, having recorded a lambasting of David Wright for Radio Shropshire, he happened to come in for a pint before he knew about the broadcast. I wouldn't let him have it until he handed me his car-keys, but he couldn't because he'd walked!!"
Nice work John - we fully support your vigilence, Ed.
Bill Carlyle via email 03/05/2006"I thought we had eliminated this type of petty and vindictive approach to law making, but it appears the puritanical and politically correct brigade have now invaded our councils and the Scottish Executive in particular.
These people are now becoming obsessed with power and control over you - their electorate. When the Scottish people voted for devolution, did they really vote for the liberties to be trampled on and dictated to by a bunch a half-wits?
I suggest you close down this money wasting institution and return to the UK fold - you'll be very welcome and probably happier too.
Liz Barber via email 03/05/2006"Re drinks ban outside - here we see the unintended consequences of a bad law. No doubt there will be many an outraged Scot who, whilst being a non smoker, enjoyed a sip of wine with his picnic at the 'Highland Games' or whatever. See how difficult it is to control one element of the public without affecting other peoples freedoms along the way? Best find a better solution, eh?"
Steve Smith via email 03/05/2006"The world has truly gone mad!! Is drinking outside throughout the summer in controled areas like beer gardens, and musical events with the family, an alfresco and relaxing atmosphere is exactly what this new act is about. The governments intensions were ok, but what a mess!!!!"
Alastair Elliott via email 04/05/2006"The Scottish Executive has well and truley lost the plot, this whole Smoking ban has not been thought through at all, it has simply been rail roaded through, so now we have it, they want to ban outdoor drinking to outcast Smokers even more and deprive them of being able to now enjoy a smoke with a drink full stop, unless of course it is in their own homes or