// News
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.”
Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill delayed
May 13, 2010
The Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill, which includes amongst others the proposal to introduce a minimum price for alcohol and to limit further alcohol promotions by off-sales, has been delayed. It was initially expected to be through parliament by the summer recess. It now looks likely that the Stage 1 debate will be at the end of May. At this point politicians will take a vote on the general principles of the Bill. If they vote against the general principles, the whole Bill will fall. If they vote in favour of the general principles, the Bill will progress to the next stage where the legislation will be examined line-by-line. Amendments to the legislation can be tabled at this time. In terms of when the Act might be finalised, it could be September, or even later, before it gets to Stage 3. You can follow the Bill’s progress at www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/34-AlcoholEtc/index.htm
America – Responsible Hospitality Institute
May 13, 2010
Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) is American. Whilst some of the issues it addresses are not relevant to Scotland, it may be of interest to those trying to balance the needs of a vibrant night-time economy with the needs of the community. It describes itself as “the leading non-profit source for networking, online resources and consultation services with nearly three decades of research and experience assisting cities to plan, manage or police dining and entertainment districts. RHI and its partners continually look for new ways to facilitate cooperation and consensus-building to maximize the economic and social benefits of the night-time economy.” www.rhiweb.org/
Freedom from Fear campaign for shopworkers
May 13, 2010
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) is currently running the Freedom for Fear Campaign. It seeks to prevent violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.
Their research has shown that every minute of the working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked. Age-restricted sales, particularly where alcohol is involved, are often a flashpoint for abuse. Further information can be found at www.usdaw.org.uk
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.