'Full compliance' with Para flag licensing regulations demanded

A former member of Derry City and Strabane District Council said he expected "nothing but full compliance of new licensing regulations" regarding the flag of the British army's Parachute Regiment.

Emmet Doyle (Aontú) said the Council's new licensing regulations ban the sale of offensive materials on stalls, with particular focus on the flag of the Parachute Regiment, at an upcoming Apprentice Boys procession.

As a councillor, Mr Doyle proposed the change to the licensing process after offensive materials were sold at stalls last year.

He said: "This year, the first outing of the new regulations, will be key in sending a clear message that offensive materials being sold would not be tolerated.

"When Aontú proposed this radical change to licensing approvals last year, it was to ensure that not only are offensive materials not sold at stalls licensed by the local authority as had happened previously, but also to remove the ability of some in political circles to engage in annual mud slinging and whataboutery when it came to demonstrations.

"It is universally accepted that in this City in particular, the sale and flying of the flag of the Parachute Regiment is offensive - indeed the Regiment itself has asked that it not be flown.  Despite that, and it has to be noted this is not in the control of the Apprentice Boys, some have sought to offend and make money from the flag.

"The PSNI and Council licensing officials must ensure absolute compliance with these licensing changes in the upcoming Apprentice Boys procession and any other event stemming from that.  They have enough notice of the changes, and any excuse about manpower, collecting evidence and allowing items to be sold or resources on the day will simply not be accepted," said Mr Doyle.

Emmet Doyle said Aontú would be monitoring the situation on the day to ensure that anyone seeking to break the terms of their license is dealt with swiftly and banned from returning to the City to engage in further commercial opportunities.

"It will not be fair if the Apprentice Boys and those coming to the city for that day are blamed for any issues, it is now purely a licensing and policing responsibility to enforce the change."