By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MINISTERS YESTERDAY published their plans for the most radical shake-up of Scotland’s liquor laws for a generation pledging to tackle binge drinking.

As had been widely expected the Licensing (Scotland) Bill will ban “irresponsible” promotions deemed to encourage quick consumption, such as “two-for-one” deals.

Happy hours will also be outlawed with pubs and clubs being required to sell alcohol at the same price for at least 48 hours.

In an effort to tackle under-age drinking licensees will be required to demand proof of age from young people and it will be a specific offence to sell alcohol to under-18s or for children to buy alcohol.

New licensing standards officers (LSOs) will be recruited in each council area to ensure compliance with the laws.

LSOs could also help resolve disputes between licensees and residents, who would also be given more say in the process of determining who can sell alcohol in their area. Anyone rather than just near neighbours could object to a licence application.

Although the bill could lead to longer opening hours for some premises, ministers insist the legislation contains a statutory presumption against 24-hour opening.

In future all licences will be granted against five key criteria—preventing crime and disorder; securing public safety; preventing public nuisance; protecting and improving public health; and protecting children from harm.

Earlier this week the Executive released figures putting the annual cost of alcohol misuse on the NHS in Scotland at £110.5 million and the total cost to Scottish society at £1.1 billion.

Launching the bill deputy public services minister Tavish Scott said, “Those shocking statistics illustrate exactly why doing nothing is simply not an option—alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour is a real and visible problem across Scotland and must be tackled.”

He said the Executive recognised that most Scots drink sensibly, insisting, “I have no doubts responsible drinking can be part of a healthy, happy and sociable lifestyle.

“But I am sure most people will agree Scotland has an appalling record on alcohol—the health and social problems irresponsible and excessive drinking can cause are well-known to all of us. We’re determined to put in place a licensing system that contributes to a safer, stronger Scotland.

“It will also ensure that 21st century Scotland has reformed licensing laws, laws which can respond to changing habits and behaviour and support the drinks industry from producer to consumer.”

SNP finance spokesman Alasdair Morgan welcomed the publication of the bill as a first step towards combating Scotland’s “drink shame.” He said, “Scotland’s drinking culture is a national disaster and so we must all move forward together to address both the supply and demand for alcohol especially amongst the young.”

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association gave the bill a cautious welcome and called on the Scottish Parliament to stay true to the spirit of licensing reform in Scotland.

SBPA chief executive Patrick Browne said it was the culmination of several years of deliberation by a number of parties including the licensing industry.

He added, “We signed up to all of the recommendations produced by the Nicholson Committee in its report of August 2003, and these are reflected in the draft bill.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament to ensure the legislation delivers on its promise of a licensing system fit for the 21st century, but which balances this alongside the need for action on alcohol misuse and irresponsible promotions.

“One issue that still remains to be resolved is how the transition from the current licensing regime to the new one will be achieved. In England and Wales, the Government has conceded ‘grandfather rights’ to the licensed trade which will transfer the current trading hours for premises over to the new regime. We would urge the Scottish Executive to do this to provide certainty to the trade and a level playing field for all licensees.”