 The committee wants an end to binge drinking |
Plans for the biggest reform of Scotland's licensing laws in 27 years have been published by the Scottish Executive. A report by Sheriff Principal Gordon Nicholson proposes a relaxation of opening hours but stricter controls on pub "happy hours" and drinks promotions.
It proposes allowing under-18s into pubs but also wants to see a national "proof of age" identity card for the supply of alcohol.
Enforcement officers are to be appointed to ensure new sanctions for licensed premises breaking the rules are applied.
The 90 recommendations now go out to public consultation until Christmas and must pass through the Scottish Parliament before becoming law.
The Nicholson Committee was commissioned by the Scottish Executive and first met in August 2001.
It reviewed all aspects of liquor licensing law with particular reference to health and public order issues.
It says there should be an entirely new Licensing Act for Scotland, to replace the current legislation enacted in 1976.
Sheriff Principal Nicholson said: "This report represents a substantial package of measures which will simplify and improve Scotland's licensing law and practice. "I hope that the executive and others will maintain this broad vision over the coming months of consultation.
"I believe that this is a thoughtful and measured report that effectively balances the realities of alcohol consumption and licensing in the 21st century."
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "The pubs and clubs we visit today - and the times we visit them - are very different in many respects to the pubs and clubs of the past.
"They have adapted to changes in society, changing work patterns and have generally changed for the better.
"But there is a need for the legislative framework to reflect those changes."
She said the report was a "genuine opportunity" to modernise Scotland's liquor licensing laws for the better.
'Contemporary attitudes'
Scottish National Party justice spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon called for the recommendations to be introduced quickly.
She said: "Today's report provides the impetus for parliament to radically overhaul Scotland's licensing laws and not before time.
"Existing law neither reflects contemporary attitudes to alcohol, nor does it effectively discourage irresponsible and criminal behaviour linked to alcohol misuse.
"Most people who drink or serve alcohol do so responsibly. However, some do not and we must ensure that outdated licensing laws do not contribute to the problem."
Malcolm Dickson, of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said the report provided an opportunity to introduce a "Scottish Alcohol Strategy which aims to improve health and reduce crime".
Mr Dickson, the assistant chief constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said the proposals must not be viewed in isolation and the time had come to ensure an integrated approach which "strikes a balance between freedom of choice and social resonsibility".
 Ken Stewart: More young people seeking help |
Alcohol counsellor Ken Stewart, a recovering alcoholic, said he saw an increasing number of young people. While he did not expect an instant remedy from new laws, he did welcome the proposals.
He said: "If there had been a full process of education relative to binge drinking it may well be that had there been something like that in place when I was younger that could have helped."
Jack Cummins, editor of Scottish Licensing Law and Practice and a member of the Nicholson Committee, said: "Responsible operators stand to benefit from a clearer, more flexible system which better reflects today's social trends.
"Licensing boards will be in a much more powerful position to deal effectively with the small minority of operators who put profit before their social responsibilities."
Licensing specialist Joanna Brynes, at law firm Harper Macleod, said the published proposals poured cold water on "misleading" speculation that 24-hour opening would become the norm.
She said any applications to boards for extended opening would be subject to the five Nicholson principles.
"It seems highly unlikely that licensing boards concerned with the prevention of crime and disorder and the promotion of public health will be prepared to move to a widespread grant of 24-hour licenses in anything other than specific circumstances," she said.
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The pubs and clubs we visit today... are very different in many respects to the pubs and clubs of the past 
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