The committee conducted a wide review

The committee has recommended a new Licensing Act for Scotland.

Underpinning the proposals are a set of "licensing principles" which will be used as the benchmark for the new system.

These are the prevention of crime and disorder, promotion of public safety, prevention of public nuisance, promotion of health and the protection of children

The main recommendations of the report, which will now be the subject of public consultation, are:

• the abolition of the present outdated system of licences and opening hours to be replaced by a tailored "premises-by-premises" approach

• a new general presumption that licensed premises should allow access to people under the age of 18

• the introduction of a single national "proof of age" card to strengthen the prohibition of the sale of alcohol to people under 18

• a crackdown on "irresponsible promotional activities", with a ban on advertising or price discounting that might encourage binge-drinking

• the introduction of a wide range of sanctions to be used by local licensing boards as appropriate

• the creation of Liquor Licensing Standards officers to enforce the sanctions.

The review was commissioned by the then Justice Minister Jim Wallace on 28 June, 2001.

The committee was tasked with reviewing "all aspects of liquor licensing law and practice in Scotland, with particular reference to the implications for health and law and public order".