Jack Law: Concerned about binge drinking

An independent committee will be set up to look at every aspect of the law and how it is operated in practice.

The Scottish Licensed Trades Association has said there are too many licences and the law should change to make it harder to get a licence.

It is expected to be the most comprehensive review of Scotland's licensing laws since the Clayson report 25 years ago introduced a more liberal approach to drinking hours.

Jack Law, of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said the review must look at cut-price drink campaigns and other ways in which young people can be drawn into alcohol abuse.

He said: "There are issues associated with binge drinking and in particular matters associated with the sale of alcohol around happy hours and drinking games that seem to be promoted today."

Public interest

The police have consistently warned that there is a close link between alcohol abuse and crime.

Deputy Justice Minister Iain Gray has expressed concern about the effect of advertising, especially when targeted at young people.

He wants the committee to recommend changes in the law to take the public interest into account.

Paul Waterson: Wants licensing curbs

This may not mean following reforms to be announced this week in England which may allow alcohol to be sold 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The review has been welcomed by the trade, which said its members want tighter controls on who can own licences.

Paul Waterson from the Scottish Licensed Trades Association said there are too many licences.

He said the law should change to make it harder to get a licence.

"At the moment it appears that anyone that turns up at a licensing board can get a licence.

"After all we are selling a very potentially dangerous product when it is abused," he said.