This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Report on local licensing published
20/12/2004
The report of the independent task group set up to
review the licensing provisions in the Civic Government
(Scotland) Act 1982 was published today.
The group included representatives of the Convention of
Scottish Local Authorities, the Association of Chief Police
Officers, Trading Standards, the Federation of Small
Businesses and the Executive.
The report recommends a number of changes to the
licensing arrangements for a range of activities covered by
the Act, such as taxis and private hire cars, market
operators, public entertainment and late hours catering
establishments.
Public Service Reform Minister Tom McCabe said:
"I am grateful to the independent Task Group for
undertaking the review and for this report.
"The Executive will now consider the implications and
merits of the recommended changes contained in the Report
and we will announce our findings in Spring 2005.
"We will also be examining the options for delivering
any legislative changes. It is important to stress,
however, that we will consult on any changes that require
legislation before they are taken before Parliament."
The remit of the Task Group remit was 'to re-examine the
principles and mechanisms of licensing as they are set out
in the 1982 Act and, having done so, review the existing
provisions and any proposals for change submitted to the
Executive'.
In doing so the Task Group were required to ensure that
the provisions of the Act, and any recommendations for
change, were compliant with the European Convention on
Human Rights and that they properly apply the principles of
the Executive's Enforcement Concordat which provides for
fair, practical and consistent enforcement policy and
practice.
The 1982 Act provides a framework for local authorities
to license taxis and private hire cars, second-hand
dealers, metal dealers, boat hire operators, street
traders, market operators, places of public entertainment,
indoor sports entertainment, late hours catering, window
cleaners and sex shops.
In addition to the above, the Task Group were required
to consider whether any other activities required to be
regulated.
At the end of 2002 Ministers extended the remit of the
Task Group to consider and report back on whether there was
a need to provide a licensing regime for table and lap
dancing establishments.