This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Drinking laws should 'reflect modern life'
10/05/2004
Scotland's licensing laws should be overhauled to make
them relevant to the way Scots live and work today and
create a better environment for safer socialising,
according to Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson.
Speaking at the South Ayrshire Licensing Conference, Ms
Jamieson said:
"In the 30 years that have passed since the current
Licensing Act came into force there have been huge changes
in the way we live, the way we work, the way we socialise.
There has been a significant increase in the number of
off-licenses in Scotland despite the fact that Scotland's
population has remained steady.
"We established the Nicholson Committee to take a fresh
look at all these issues, and the Daniels Committee to look
specifically at how we could target antisocial behaviour in
the area around off-licences.
"Nicholson and Daniels are not about 24 hour drinking.
They are about breaking the link between alcohol and crime,
dealing with binge drinking, and improving and tightening
up the liquor licence application and monitoring
process.
"We recognise that the vast majority of Scots are able
to socialise safely and any new licensing sysyem should
recognise that. But it must also deal with the minority
who drink to extreme, in a way that affects their health
and the wellbeing of communities here in South Ayrshire and
right across Scotland.
"It must protect our young and vulnerable and it must
support the responsible retailer. It must give local
people a voice before new licences are granted.
"That is why we have already endorsed the core licensing
principles identified by Nicholson These principles -
which include the promotion of public safety and the
protection of children from harm - are principles we fully
endorse and they will be at the very heart of our draft
Bill.
"Our White Paper - which will lead to a new Licensing
Act for Scotland - will be published very soon. It will
build on the work done by both Nicholson and Daniels. We
will consult on our proposed course of action over the
summer.
"Our ultimate aim is the establishment of a modern,
efficient and effective licensing system that contributes
to a safer, stronger Scotland."
Today's conference took place at Oswall Hall,
Auchincruive.