By Mike Donachie

A PLEDGE to reform licensing laws and tackle binge drinking amid Scotland’s “appalling” record on alcohol was made yesterday by a Scottish minister as he visited Perth.

Tavish Scott, the deputy minister for finance and public service reform, promised moves to break the link between binge drinking and crime, condemning drinks promotions which encourage drunkenness and public disorder.

Mr Scott met councillors and members of the local Community Safety Partnership to discuss details of Scotland’s new Licensing Bill.

He said, “The board members and pub staff I’ve met today have all agreed that our licensing laws desperately need reformed.

“Alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour is as much a problem across Perth and Kinross as elsewhere in Scotland, and this highlights to me why doing nothing is simply not an option.

“We are taking immediate and sustained action for the long-term by bringing forward legislation to reform our outdated licensing laws and reflect Scottish society in the 21st century. The new licensing laws will respond to changing habits and behaviour and support the drinks industry from producer to consumer.”

Perth and Kinross Licensing Board’s chairman, Councillor David Dow, said, “This has been an excellent opportunity today to discuss our views on the Executive’s proposals with the minister.

“In Perth and Kinross we are keen to encourage responsible attitudes to alcohol and we have been pursuing this through a strong partnership approach with the local licensed trade, the police and the Community Safety Partnership.

“I would hope that the bill can enable all of us who are concerned with licensing to continue working together, sharing information and considering issues with a positive perspective.”

The bill proposes a national framework of standard licence conditions covering key issues, as well as abolishing the old system of seven types of licences and opening hours, replacing them with just two— personal and premises licences.

The Executive has also pledged tougher enforcement and an emphasis on mandatory training.

Councillor Alistair Barr, chairman of the Community Safety Partnership, said, “In relation to the Licensing Bill we have highlighted to the minister that a partnership approach, where we can share intelligence and have an upbeat agenda on licensing issues, is what we would like to see being delivered.

“The partnership’s aim is to see thriving, safe and secure communities in Perth and Kinross, and I believe that promoting a sensible approach to alcohol plays an important part in achieving that aim.”