Backlash against new Scottish alcohol legislation

A new law requiring pubs, bars and supermarkets applying for alcohol licenses to prove how they will reduce customers’ drinking has been met with opposition.

Trade members have slammed an “unworkable” alcohol licensing law proposed in Scotland.

The “unworkable” proposals, planned by MPs, would see the licensing boards of local authorities block businesses’ applications if they do not demonstrate efforts to reduce consumption.

However, those opposing the plans argue that there is limited scope for establishments to control how their customers’ consume alcohol.

The plans would come into effect through the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, in addition to five existing licensing legislations designed to protect the public from excessive alcohol consumption-related problems.

Chief executive of The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), Miles Beale, told The Scottish Herald that the proposal failed to acknowledge the falling levels of alcohol consumption, hospital admissions, and deaths.

He added: “It is bemusing that more unworkable objectives are being proposed.

“This will certainly add to the complexity of the licensing system while doing nothing to tackle alcohol related harm.”

Defending the new objective, Kevin Stewart MSP, of Holyrood’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee, said: “Licensing boards should have goals to protect and improve public health and clearly over consumption of alcohol affects public health greatly.

“The inclusion of an explicit objective would ensure that all boards must consider public health impacts in the future.”