Sir, Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown county council has published a new by-law to ban drinking of alcohol on roads and in public places.I am in full agreement with the by-law as regards drinking on roads and roadsides, but I feel that in extending the ban to public places (defined as including parks and open spaces), the council has gone too far. That part of the by-law restricts personal freedom for no obvious reason.It should not be illegal, for example, to have a glass of wine at a family picnic at Dalkey Quarry. Nor should it be illegal for a group of friends to have a few beers at a late night barbecue on Vico Rock Beach. The existing legislation regarding drunk and disorderly behaviour is sufficient if things get out of hand.Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposed new bylaw, should write (before February 23rd) to the Senior Administrative Officer, Parks and Environment, Town Hall, Dun Laoghaire. - Yours, etc.,David Campbell, Springhill Park, Killiney, Co Dublin.