This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Tackling binge drinking in Perth & Kinross
11/04/2005
Measures to improve health and break the link between
binge drinking and crime in Perth and Kinross, as well as
elsewhere in Scotland, are part of the Licensing (Scotland)
Bill.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform
Tavish Scott visited a city centre pub in Perth, and met
members of the local Licensing Board and the local
Community Safety Partnership to discuss details of the
Bill.
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- Reforming outdated licensing laws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
Tavish Scott said:
"The Board members and pub staff I've met today have all
agreed that our licensing laws desperately need reformed.
Alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour is as
much a problem across Perth and Kinross as elsewhere in
Scotland, 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outdated licensing laws and reflect Scottish society in the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."
Councillor David Dow, Chair of the Perth and Kinross
Licensing Board said:
"This has been an excellent opportunity today to discuss
our views on the Executive's proposals with the Minister.
In Perth and Kinross we are keen to encourage responsible
attitudes to alcohol and we have been pursuing this through
a strong partnership approach with the local licensed
trade, the Police and the Community Safety Partnership. I
would hope that the Bill can enable all of us who are
concerned with licensing to continue working together,
sharing information and considering issues with a positive
perspective."
The Licensing Bill will reform our outdated licensing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- Abolishing outdated system of seven licences and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 objectives coupled with a
statutory presumption against 24 hour opening
- Emphasis on mandatory training
- 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 across Perth and Kinross. 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 Perth and Kinross, as well
as the rest of Scotland, safer places to socialise in, live
in and visit."