Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic - London

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BMA Board of Science
Licensing in Scotland is regulated by the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. As a result of regular extensions
to licensing hours since 1976, Scotland has seen considerable liberalisation of opening hours to the
extent that it is theoretically possible to purchase alcohol continuously for 24 hours. Licensing law in
Scotland will be radically changed following the implementation of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005,
which is due to come into force in August 2009 following a transition period starting in February 2008.
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 incorporates a range of new measures including:
the introduction of two new licences (personal and premises) to replace the old system of
seven licences and statutory opening hours
a ‘premises by premises’ approach to opening hours authorised by local Licensing Boards
coupled with a statutory presumption against 24-hour opening (which will only be allowed in
exceptional circumstances)
mandatory training of staff as a condition of licence
the requirement for all licensees to operate on a no-proof no-sale basis and the overhaul of
under-age drinking offences
prohibition of irresponsible promotional activities that encourage speed and binge drinking
including two-for-one offers and happy hours
the introduction of tougher enforcement with a wider range of sanctions and new Licensing
Standards Officers. 254
Northern Ireland
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) sets out the alcohol control
policies for Northern Ireland in Strategy for reducing alcohol related harm (DHSSPS, 2000). 255
This strategy set out five key action areas:
to encourage the responsible use of alcohol through health promotion and education
programmes, which will have particular emphasis for those groups identified as being
most at risk
to promote and improve treatment and support services, ensuring that they are effective,
adequate to the real level of need in the community, and fairly available
to protect individuals, families and communities from the anti-social and often criminal
consequences of alcohol misuse
to develop a research and information programme that provides detailed and up-to-date
knowledge of local drinking patterns and behaviours
to implement and manage the strategy effectively through a regular and systematic review
process involving local implementation groups. 255
Licensing in Northern Ireland is regulated by the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. The Order
includes restricted opening hours although it is possible for a court to grant additional opening hours to
public houses, hotels, restaurants, conference centres and higher education establishments under
certain conditions. In October 2005, the Department for Social Development (DSD) published draft
proposals for reform of the licensing laws in Northern Ireland. 256
The provisional implementation date for
these proposals is 2009 and they incorporate a number of measures including:
a move from a court-based system to a licensing authority under the aegis of district councils
a modest extension of current opening hours, creating scope for opening to 2am Monday to
Saturday and midnight on Sunday, with some extra flexibility for special, major events
the introduction of a range of measures for the protection of children (eg new test purchasing
powers and a voluntary proof of age scheme)
the introduction of new and more effective enforcement measures to enforce licensing laws
(eg immediate temporary closure powers for the police, a penalty points system for breaches
of the legislation and the creation of new liquor licensing officers); and replacement of the
current licences categories with a dual system of personal and premises licences. 256
Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic