By Dean Kilpatrick, local democracy reporter

Medway Council’s decision to ban people from bringing drinks into this summer’s Castle Concerts is to be reviewed by councillors.

Cllr Alex Paterson (Lab) has asked the regeneration, culture and environment overview and scrutiny committee to assess the policy change, which will be enforced at performances by The Australian Pink Floyd, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Ronan Keating, and UB40.

Council officials say the drinks ban – except for sealed bottles of water – will “ensure we have another safe and enjoyable concerts”.

But critics claim the ban is unfair, with those attending the Proms event being allowed to bring in their own drinks, including glass bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine.

Cllr Paterson said: “It’s the inconsistency that shines out in the decision. It does seem very selective in its application.

“There may well be an evidence basis, but we have not seen it and it’s not good enough. I’m interested to hear an explanation.”

The Rochester West representative, who won this month’s by-election, has already set up an e-petition following complaints from residents – particularly on social media.

And although he said he was “not blind” to alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, Cllr Paterson said the decision reflected badly on an “out-of-touch” authority.

He added: “If the issue is about behaviour, then you have to look at the potential knock-on effect from it. We also know from reality television that people ‘preload’.

“If people think they’re going into an event where there is going to be charged extortionate prices for cups of warm beer, they will think it is better to preload up.

“I think people are owed an explanation on how that decision was reached.”

Committee members will be asked if it has any recommendations at today's meeting, with papers calling for consideration on whether there is “potential discrimination against members of the public that belongs to a protected class”.

Carl Madjitey, Medway Council’s head of events, has defended the drinks ban and believes this year’s Castle Concerts will continue the programme’s success story.

He said: “This year, we will not be allowing any drink, except plastic sealed bottles of water, into the castle grounds to ensure we have safe and enjoyable concerts.

“This follows live music event best practice, which other large and outdoor venues across the UK adhere to.

“To embrace the celebratory nature of the proms and because the evening is a picnic-style event and not a live music concert, drinks will be allowed in the castle.

"However, for safety reasons, no glass will be allowed into the castle grounds.”