Posted by Melmac on May 02, 2000 at 20:54:35:
In Reply to: New laws -the solution to every problem posted by Mike on May 02, 2000 at 19:08:28:
Excellent points Mike. It seems that the title of the article SHOULD be "Beer drinking (by young people) in public banned in Castlebar." The article makes it very clear who the intended target of the law will be. If the problem is underage drinking and cans and bottles left behind as litter at the lake, then that is the issue that should be addressed. But instead, the councillors chose to impose draconian fines, which they know will only be levied against the young.
Cllr Johnny Mee said: "It is my view, however, that the Gardai will use their discretion when it comes to the tradition of people enjoying a drink on the street on the day of a Connaught final in Castlebar." What about the "tradition" of having a beer at the lake? It seems that one man's tradition is another man's lawlessness. Mind you, I don't support underage drinking or littering, but this is a bad approach to solving the problem.
Cllr Eoin Garavan opposed the introduction of the bye-laws. "If we knew for a fact that they would be exercised in the way Councillor Mee wishes, then I'd be happy. "But I am concerned about bringing in regulations that are not democratic and fair." What does THIS mean? Is Garavan suggesting that he wants assurances that the law will be "democratically" and "fairly" applied only to the young people and not GAA supporters??
Like you said Mike, how stupid it is to write a law and then worry about whether the gardai will use "discretion" in its enforcement. If the law was well written, this would not be a concern. Additionally, if the present laws were enforced, this law would be unnecessary.