Police Scotland bans vertical drinking in village pub

In Orkney, Scotland, a significant controversy emerged regarding drinking regulations at the Pomona Inn in Finstown when the pub's owners, Sharon and Dave Craigie, sought to amend their license to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to participate in pub games such as pool and darts. Authorities from Police Scotland, in their evaluation of the application, recommended stricter conditions concerning the presence of underage individuals in the pub. They particularly suggested that young patrons should not only be accompanied by adults but also proposed a controversial ban on ‘vertical drinking’ when 16 and 17-year-olds were present. This recommendation aimed to create a safer environment by limiting how alcohol could be consumed when teenagers were around. However, this proposal sparked a significant backlash from local licensing authorities. Owen Tierney, a board member, questioned the logic behind the police's recommendation, emphasizing that it made little sense that a standing drinker could endanger a minor any more than someone who was seated. The local licensing board convened to discuss the police’s demands and the practicality of implementing such a ban in a rural pub setting where a mix of patrons, not all of whom would be involved in the underage activities, frequented the establishment. The council ultimately voted against the proposal, siding with pub owners who argued that enforcing a seated-only drinking policy would disrupt business for patrons who were not participating in the organized games. The rejection of the police's bid underscores the balance local boards must strike between ensuring public safety and allowing pubs to operate freely as community spaces.