Last orders for happy hours
2 Mar 05
Scottish Executive announces biggest reform in licensing laws for 30 years
The Scottish Executive is calling time on happy hours as part of the first major update of Scotland’s licensing laws for 30 years.
It has published its Licensing (Scotland) Bill, which aims to tackle the country’s
"shocking" record on alcohol use and bring licensing law into the 21st century.
The bill, which implements recommendations in the Nicholson Report on licensing laws, includes a crackdown on "irresponsible promotional activities" such as two-for-ones and will ensure that drinks have to be sold at the same price for at least 48 hours.
This is would make it too expensive for publicans to maintain the reduced price and remove the incentive for drinkers to consume more quickly.
It would also abolish statutory opening hours for pubs and replace them with licenses granted on a premises by premises approach.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service reform Tavish Scott said: "There is no doubt irresponsible drinks promotions fuel the violence and anti-social behaviour which blight communities in Scotland. It is a simple fact that some promotions encourage many people to drink more alcohol – and they therefore 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 Scotland a safer place to visit, live in and socialise.”
Other measures include tougher enforcement of licensing law, a wider range of sanctions and the appointment of new Licensing Standards Officers.