THE MINISTER in charge of licensing for Scotland was in Dundee yesterday to report on the progress of the Scottish Executive’s wide-ranging reforms to try to combat the country’s binge-drinking image.

Deputy minister for finance and parliamentary business George Lyon outlined the current thinking to delegates at the National Licensing Conference 2005 at the Apex Hotel, organised by the national charity Alcohol Focus Scotland.

The theme of the conference was From Legislation To Implementation as the Executive pushes through the Licensing (Scotland) Bill which, subject to Holyrood’s approval, would tackle booze binges by banning pub happy hours and promotions that encourage quick drinking such as “two for one” deals.

The reforms are due to take effect on a single date, after a transition period of around 18 months from February 2008.

Mr Lyon told delegates, “The Executive is committed to putting in place a licensing regime which will help break the link between irresponsible drinking and crime.

“All licensees in Scotland will operate under the new system. The Executive does not propose to create a two-tier system with some continuing to operate under their existing hours and licence conditions, known as Grandfather Rights.

However, some limited concessions will be made for existing licence holders.

“The Executive is committed to reforming our out-dated licensing laws, which are more than 25 years old and do not reflect modern Scotland or support business development and innovation. Scotland has an absolutely appalling record on alcohol, the financial and human cost of irresponsible drinking is enormous.

“Far too many Scots are drinking harder, earlier and quicker than ever before. This has led to rising levels of alcohol-related crime, more days lost at work through drink-related illness, and higher levels of domestic violence—often involving children—caused by alcohol misuse at home.

“Our Licensing Bill…will support responsible members of the licensed trade. It will protect children. And it will protect the interests of our communities.”

The deputy minister added, “We have now agreed the key milestones for transition to the new regime and have drawn up a proposed framework for transition based on proposals from a team of clerks to licensing boards and consultations with the licensed trade associations.”

Jack Law, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland added, “Today we also looked at the issues the licensed trade faces and also the people who work in the alcohol problem side, plus the issues of over-provision and how licensing forums can work with licensing boards.

“Another aspect is the cost of it all, who will pay for the administration and the enforcement of the new licensing laws.”