This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Binge drinking in the Highlands
29/03/2005
Measures to improve health and break the link between binge drinking and crime in the Highlands, as well as elsewhere in Scotland, will be part of the Licensing (Scotland) Bill Tavish Scott said today.
The Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform was speaking as he visited Northern Constabulary Headquarters in Inverness to discuss details of the Bill, published earlier this month.
Mr Scott outlined that the Bill will put in place a licensing system fit for the 21st Century, and will tackle Scotland's "shocking" record on alcohol by:
- Reforming outdated licensing laws
- Tackling under-age drinking
- Cracking down on binge drinking
- Involving communities
The Minister said:
"Northern Constabulary deals with the reality of alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour on a regular basis. Members of staff have today made it clear that there is real and visible problem in the Highlands, as elsewhere, and this highlights to me why doing nothing is simply not an option.
"We are taking immediate and sustained action for the long-term by bringing forward legislation to reform our outdated licensing laws and reflect Scottish society in the 21st Century. The new licensing laws will respond to changing habits and behaviour and support the drinks industry from producer to consumer."
The Licensing Bill will reform our outdated licensing laws by:
- Establishing a clear, effective and mandatory national framework which will include standard national licence conditions covering key issues;
- Abolishing outdated system of seven licences and statutory opening hours, replacing them with two new licences - personal and premises licence;
- A sensible 'premises by premises' approach to opening hours authorised by local Licensing Boards in line with the new licensing principles coupled with a statutory presumption against 24 hour opening;
- Emphasis on mandatory training; and
- Tougher enforcement - wider range of sanctions and new Licensing Standards Officers (LSOs).
Mr Scott added:
"This devolved government recognises that most people in Scotland can and do drink sensibly - and we want to help promote this kind of approach to alcohol. I have no doubts responsible drinking can be part of a healthy, happy and sociable lifestyle.
"But I am sure most people will agree Scotland has an appalling record on alcohol - the health and social problems irresponsible and excessive drinking can cause are well-know to all of us.
"There is no doubt irresponsible drinks promotions fuel the violence and anti-social behaviour which blight communities in the Highlands. It is a simple fact that some promotions encourage many people to drink more alcohol and help contribute to our grim record in this area.
"By removing promotions like these we move closer to protecting young people and making our town and city centres safer - helping to make the Highlands, as well as the rest of Scotland, a safer place to socialise in, live in and visit."