Off-sales hours drama as bill reaches final stage
Opposition fears 3am-10pm opening will fuel Scotland's binge drinking culture
The hours during which off-sales will be allowed to sell alcohol remain in doubt as the Licensing (Scotland) Bill reaches its third and final parliamentary stage today.
In its current form, after an SNP-led amendment, the bill would permit opening from 8am to 11pm. Yesterday the Executive decided to back off-sale hours of 3am to 10pm - but Labour backbenchers are reported to be unhappy at the idea.
Ministers say their proposals reflect modern socialising patterns and would allow shift workers to buy alcohol. However, opponents of the new proposals say that most people buying drink at that time would be drunk teenagers coming out of pubs and clubs, and the longer opening hours will exacerbate Scotland's binge drinking culture.
The SNP also published figures which show a rise in the number of people being treated for alcohol-related illnesses - an increase of 41% in seven years, from 36,221 in 1997-98 to 51,079 in 2004-05.
Current News29.08.08 No compensation culture in UK - surveyAccident helpline reveals most Brits won't and don't make spurious claims 29.08.08 Commission plan to end inconsistent sentencingProposal imminent for creation of Sentencing Commission 29.08.08 OU course teaches more about the lawNew course aims to give people a better understanding of Scotland's legal processes 28.08.08 Auditor of Court appointedKenneth Cumming to take over from Neil Crichton at the Court of Session 28.08.08 Education advocacy services given government cashFunding for children's additional support needs advocacy 28.08.08 North move for private client specialistMark Stewart joins Aberdeen firm Stronachs as a partner 28.08.08 Database of domestic abusers neededHMIC recommends Scottish police forces adopt common practices and processes 27.08.08 Shared equity scheme details outNew supply shared equity intended to help people on low incomes get on housing ladder 27.08.08 Prison population hits record levelsMore than 8,000 people now locked up; SPS says it can contain but not provide services 26.08.08 Concerns over mortgage requirement changeSociety says revised new-build instructions to solicitors not appropriate for Scots market 26.08.08 MSP proposes equity fines for companiesOwners should be accountable for health and safety breaches, says SNP's Wilson 25.08.08 Legislation needed for land management rowHome owners should not be locked in to manintenance agreements, says MP 25.08.08 Special meeting backs Society's strategyReview group the way to keep up pressure on legal aid, solicitors agree 25.08.08 Eight Scottish law firms in UK top 100Magazine survey rates firms according to turnover for last year |