HUNDREDS of boozy revellers were knocked back from entering Kelvingrove Park last weekend with dozens thrown out of the beauty spot for drinking alcohol.

Youths as young as 14 to 17-years old were so drunk they had to be escorted home by police officers. 

A total of 413 people were refused entry while officers had to disperse two huge groups from flouting social distancing rules. 

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Police officers were joined by the council's community enforcement team to enforce park rules that prohibit the consumption of booze within the public space.

The measures were taken as concern grows over the welfare of many of the young people who seek to drink to excess when visiting the park, which frequently leads to these young people becoming involved in disorder and other kinds of anti-social behaviour.

Stephen Egan, the council’s Head of Parks and Street Scene, stressed that the measures were used to make the West End beauty spot safe for all visitors. 

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But, he also highlighted that park management rules allow for people to be ejected from the park if they are causing a nuisance to others.

He said: “Kelvingrove Park remains a stunning open space, but we cannot tolerate the anti-social behaviour that is being experienced in the park. So much of that behaviour is being fuelled by alcohol and we have to take steps to protect the park for everyone who wants to visit.

“Sadly, it is young people who are invariably involved in the disorder and we are increasingly concerned that many are actually putting themselves in harm’s way.  We are very clear that alcohol is not welcome in Kelvingrove Park and we are urging parents and guardians to help us convey that message to their children.”

As warm weather is forecasted to hit the city this weekend, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland have been working on a plan to manage access to the park through a limited number of open gates on Friday and Saturday (April 23 and 24).

Officers will remain sanctioned at the park gates and refuse entry to anyone who is carrying alcohol and to anyone who is drunk. 

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Chief Inspector Natalie Carr said: “Police Scotland is working closely with Glasgow City Council to prevent repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour from occurring in Kelvingrove Park.  Officers will be visible and accessible to park users should they need police assistance.

“We have received reports of children and young people getting into vulnerable situations and I would like to appeal to parents and guardians to make sure they know their children’s whereabouts. One person has already been arrested, charged and is due to appear at court following an assault on a 19-year-old.

“We would like to remind anyone planning on visiting the park that alcohol is not permitted and, should incidents of antisocial behaviour take place, then those responsible will be dealt with robustly.”

Nine of the park’s sixteen gates will be shut on Friday and Saturday and local signage will indicate where visitors can access the park.