The executive wants to promote responsible drinking

Major reforms to Scotland's licensing laws will be proposed in a report by Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson, to be published on Tuesday.

A liberalisation of some aspects of the licensing laws is expected to be countered by powerful new enforcement officers to monitor the activities of pubs, clubs and off-licences.

The Nicholson Committee first met in August 2001 after ministers decided it was time to overhaul the existing regime, governed by the 1976 Licensing (Scotland) Act.

Drink and violence

Its remit was to ensure the law took account of changes in society, such as new working patterns, the increased patronage of women in pubs, the growth of drinks promotions, later opening hours and youth drinking.

Ministers also hope that changes to the law will help tackle the many links between drink and violence.

The committee, which includes representatives of the licensed trade, health organisations, local government and police, is understood to have made about 90 recommendations.

One proposal is to create dedicated liquor licensing standards officers to provide closer monitoring of premises than at present.

The new officers would be able to make random spot checks on any licensed premises while working closely with existing council licensing boards and police.

An executive source said: "The proposals are aiming to support the licensed trade while ensuring action can be taken against the small minority who put profit ahead of promoting responsible behaviour and activity."

Consultation on the recommendations will be open until the end of the year.