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Licensing Act
24/09/2007
The importance of effective enforcement of the new Licensing Act was underlined by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill at a meeting with Scottish Licensing Board Convenors today.
Mr MacAskill also stressed the need for tough action to be taken on licensed premises that sell to underage people and those who breech important new policies such as the ban on irresponsible promotions.
Mr MacAskill said:
"Under age and irresponsible drinking are taking their toll on Scottish society - that can be seen on our streets, in our prisons and in our hospitals.
"I've already made it clear that I want to take action to tackle Scotland's drinking culture now, to support a longer-term strategy, by banning irresponsible promotions in off-sales and by looking at a "polluter pays" approach to dealing with the costs of alcohol misuse.
"Licensing Boards have a vital role to play, they are the ones at the sharp end of the Act. It's up to them to make it work and take action against premises that are fuelling underage and antisocial drinking.
"That's why I was keen to have a meeting with Licensing board convenors - to get their views on how we are shaping up for implementation and whether there is anything else that the Government can do to help the process. I am keen to make sure that Government, Licensing Boards and the Police are working together to protect our communities."
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 reforms the current legislation which dates back to the 1970s. The aim of the new legislation is to simplify and modernise the existing legislation (the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, and the relevant parts of the Law Reform (Misc. Provisions) (Scot.) Act 1990; balance the rights of the majority of people who drink responsibly against the need to protect local communities from nuisance and crime associated with misuse of alcohol; provide strong monitoring and enforcement powers; establish a more inclusive system for all those with an interest; support responsible members of the licensed trade; and Allow local flexibility balanced with consistency of decision making.
The Scottish Government organised this meeting with a group of Licensing Board Convenors and Senior Police Officers to discuss enforcement of current laws governing the sale of alcohol and the transition to the new Act coming into force. The Government's intention is that this will not be a one-off event but the start of a process of engagement with Board and the police in to ensure effective enforcement of licensing laws.