 The report has looked at alcohol retailing |
Reform of the laws governing off-licences have been unveiled by the Scottish Executive. Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said local residents will have a bigger say in whether off-licence applications are granted.
Licensing boards will assess if an area has too many off-licences when judging applications.
Ms Jamieson announced the plans as part of the Scottish Executive's anti-social behaviour drive.
The proposals will be published in a White Paper later this year.
Ms Jamieson said ministers supported plans for a national proof of age initiative to be adopted by all off-licences.
A previous proposal to give children the right to be on licensed premises has been dropped. Pubs and bars will instead have to "opt in" to making provision for children.
Ms Jamieson said: "It is right that pubs become more children-friendly - many have already moved in that direction.
"But at this stage I feel we should continue to require licence applications to clearly state that they want to provide for young people, and for licensees to 'opt in' to allowing children on their premises rather than 'opt out'.
"Local people want a greater say over the granting of off-licences, and for their objections to be seriously considered.
"Many communities have concerns about the concentration of off-licences in what quickly become hotspots for boozed-up young people."
'A scourge'
First Minister Jack McConnell set up the group in September.
The report's 30 recommendations include local licensing boards being given more flexibility over the issuing of licences, including the hours of trading.
Under the measures, the views of people living near off-licence shops, including school and parent groups, will be taken into account.
There will also be greater monitoring by new liquor trading officers.
Ms Jamieson said: "There are three times as many off-licences now as there were 50 years ago, yet our population has hardly changed.
Report welcomed
"One or two off-licences may be a useful asset for a community. Too many can be a scourge."
The recommendations are in line with last year's Nicholson Report into Scotland's binge drinking culture.
Sheriff Principal Nicholson said: "I welcome the recommendations in the report of the working group."
He said the package of proposals, if carried, would lead to an improved and simplified licensing system.
Group chair Peter Daniels, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Council, said the report was not intended to be "a panacea" for every problem caused by alcohol abuse.
But he added that it offered ways to give communities an authoritative voice and create a system of "rigorous control". The Tories said there was nothing new in the report.
"This is yet another example of gesture politics by the Scottish government," said Conservative MSP Brian Monteith.
"Local authorities already have adequate powers, for instance to ban public drinking and regularly take use of those powers."
But the Scottish National Party said the move should be welcomed for giving local communities a greater say.
Justice spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon said: "However, it is important that the Scottish Executive take into account the recommendations made in the Nicholson Review and the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill when carrying out the licensing reform process."
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Many communities have concerns about the concentration of off-licences in what quickly become hotspots for boozed-up young people 
