This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tackling binge drinking and crime in the Borders
26/04/2005
Measures to improve health and break the link between
binge drinking and crime in the Borders, as well as
elsewhere in Scotland, are part of the Licensing (Scotland)
Bill.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform
Tavish Scott met members of the two Borders Licensing
Boards to discuss the issues facing rural licensing
boards.
He also met representatives of the British Legion in
Kelso to look at the impact the Bill will have on such
member organisations.
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- Reforming outdated licensing laws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
Mr Scott said:
"The Board members I have met today have agreed that our
licensing laws are in need of reform. The damge alcohol can
cause is as much a problem in the Borders as it is
elsewhere in Scotland. This highlights to me why doing
nothing is simply not an option.
"We are taking immediate and sustained action 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bringing forward legislation to reform our outdated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The Licensing Bill will reform Scotland's outdated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- Abolishing outdated system of seven licences and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.
"Irresponsible drinks promotions fuel the misuse of
alcohol which blights communities in many Scottish towns.
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 towns and rural
areas safer - helping to make Kelso, and other Border
towns, safer places to socialise in, live in and
visit."