Underage drinking concerns over Derry festival

A Londonderry doctor has called for the city's Hallowe'en festival to be scrapped amid fears of a rise in underage drinking at the event.

Dr Anne Doherty said that she has written to the city's SDLP Lord Mayor, Helen Quigley, to request a meeting to discuss the issue with the event's organisers. Local priest, Father Michael Canny, has also written to the Lord Mayor, expressing his concerns at how the festival is handled.

The council-run event attracts around 20,000 people each year. Dr Doherty said that unless organisers could exert responsible control over alcohol consumption then the carnival should be banned.

She explained: "Underage drinking is not only confined to Derry, it is in every city in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and in England, but for a city council to take on board a carnival where alcohol plays a large part is a big responsibility."

Speaking in response, Ms Quigley said the council welcomed the input, and would look into ways of improving the event.

"We have already adopted many initiatives to ensure the carnival is enjoyed sensibly and safely by informing parents, communities and vintners of the risks of underage drinking at this celebratory time, providing alcohol-free zones for families and a student zone."

She added: "The Halloween Carnival is the largest Halloween celebrations in Ireland and we need to ensure its core value of a family festival is retained."

(CL)