This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Lifestyle changes presage new licensing laws
11/05/2004
New liquor licensing figures highlight the changing
pattern of socialising in Scotland and underline the need
for legislation to reflect those changes, Justice Minister
Cathy Jamieson said today.
Commenting on Liquor Licensing in Scotland, 1999-2003,
the Minister said the range of different licences - and the
increase in the number of premises with regular extensions
to permitted hours - portrayed a system in need of radical
overhaul.
She said:
"The way we socialise today and the places we choose to
socialise have changed greatly over in recent years. Yet
our licensing legislation is now almost 30 years old.
"There are currently seven types of licence currently
available and as these figures show, the spread of the
types of licences has been gradually widening over the last
couple of decades. And the number of premises which are
allowed to sell alcohol beyond the statutory permitted
hours strongly suggests that the current system of
statutory opening hours has lost any real meaning.
"We are currently considering changes to Scotland's
licensing laws to reflect the changing reality but any
simplification of the licensing system must not be confused
with a relaxation of enforcement. Any changes we introduce
must tackle the growing problem of binge drinking -
particularly among young people - and help break the link
between alcohol and crime.
"Changing the licensing laws alone will not achieve that
. We still have more to do to change the culture and
attitude to alcohol. But the right changes will support the
responsible license holders, and help that culture
change.
"Very shortly I will announce the Executive's response
to the recommendations of both the Nicholson Committee and
the Daniels Working Group on Off-sales. In doing so I will
be bringing forward proposals that will help create a
modern, efficient and effective licensing system that
contributes to a safer, stronger Scotland."