Glasgow Board refuses supermarkets under Public Health objective
May 25, 2010
The Herald newspaper reported on 25th May that Glasgow Licensing Board has refused to allow a number of supermarkets to increase the amount of space given over to alcohol because retailers could not prove the plans would meet one of the 5 licensing objectives, namely “promoting and improving publlic health”. There is speculation that the retail giants will challenge the rulings in court.
Dr Evelyn Gillan, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said “We applaud Glasgow Licensing Board’s courageous decision to refuse applications to six supermarkets to expand store space so they can sell more alcohol.
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 requires Boards to consider the protection and improvement of public health when deciding whether or not to approve licences. There is good evidence that increasing the availability of alcohol leads to an increase in health and social harm. Glasgow has one of the highest number of alcohol related deaths in the UK. The Licensing Board are rightly taking the view that allowing supermarkets more space to sell alcohol can only make a bad situation worse.
It is extremely worrying that the supermarkets – who are the biggest offenders of irresponsible promotions – are threatening Glasgow Licensing Board with legal action when the Board is simply following the spirit of the law and putting public health first. I hope other Licensing Boards in Scotland will follow the example set by Glasgow and will not be intimidated by threats from big supermarkets. Scotland can improve its relationship with alcohol and limiting availability in supermarkets is a positive step in the right direction.”
Highland’s Operation Safety
April 1, 2010
Police bid to tackle under-age drinking
Boy, 14, may have died if not found
From the Press & Journal newspaper, Published: 31/03/2010
A 14-YEAR-old under the influence of alcohol was among the first to become involved in a scheme being tested in the far north to combat under-age drinking.
Police said the teenager could have perished had they not found him when they did in Thurso on Saturday evening.
The new approach involves young people under 18 found with alcohol being taken to the police station and their parents or guardians contacted to take them home.
As part of Operation Safety, launched at the weekend, youngsters were given advice by youth workers about the risks they are taking.
North divisional commander Superintendent Julian Innes reported that a handful of under-age drinkers were picked up on the first weekend the initiative was activated in Thurso and Wick.
Most concern centred on the 14-year-old, who was drunk on whisky.
Said the superintendent: “He was soaking wet and very vulnerable. We are glad we found him because, if he had fallen asleep, he may not be with us now.”
He added: “From our point of view this was a successful weekend and it was pleasing to see our officers out and about and interacting with young people.”
The trial follows growing evidence nationally and in the Highlands about a strong link between early teenage drinking and ill-health and crime.
Operation Safe Night
March 25, 2010
We note from the Parliamentary News on 23rd March that Jim Tolson raised a motion asking ”that the Parliament congratulates the Dunfermline Business Improvement District company, Dunfermline Delivers, on successfully establishing Scotland’s first ever Operation Safe Night initiative to promote a safe, welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere in Dunfermline’s city centre; considers that there is valuable partnership working between Fife Constabulary, Taxi Marshals, Street Pastors, Neighbourhood Watch, the Fife Alcohol Partnership Project, Pub Watch and St Andrews Ambulance, and believes that the project is now well established, helping to attract visitors from other locations and is an important way to boost Dunfermline’s night time economy. “
Aberdeen Forums Meet
February 10, 2010
On 8th February representatives from each of the four Forums in the Aberdeen area came together with the Acting National Licensing Development Officer to discuss some areas of common interest. There are separate Forums for Aberdeenshire South, Central and North and Aberdeen City. The Aberdeenshire Forums share some services, such as a website, but each operates slightly differently as reflects the different issues in their areas.
Everyone found the meeting very useful – gaining an insight into some of the differences in the ways of working and getting ideas for alternative ways of tackling issues. Aberdeen Forums Feb 10
The four Forums now plan to meet again to continue the sharing of experiences and it is recommended that Forums in other parts of the country consider if they could do something similar and meet with Forums in the neighbouring area
Glasgow Forum undertakes Health Impact Assessment
February 10, 2010
The Glasgow forum, which is current chaired by Dr Linda de Caestecker, Joint Director of Public Health, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has decided to undertake a Health Impact Assessment of the Glasgow Licensing Policy Statement.
At an event was held on the 25th January 2010 to begin the process. Attendees compiled a list of the many stakeholders who are affected by the policy, and spent considering which determinants of health are most affected by licensing. The top six were:
1. crime and the fear of crime
2. local economy
3. civic pride and image of the City
4. access to and use of health services
5. culture
6. personal behaviours
Various groups then spent time looking at each of the clauses of the Policy Statement and considering its likely impact on health. A full report from the day is available
Licensing HIA Workshop 25.01.10 Final Report
A Working Group and a Steering Group are being formed to take the work forward over the next few months.