This publication has been jointly developed by Alcohol Focus Scotland and Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP). It follows up the many requests received from licensing officials and Board members for more clarity on what is meant by ‘public health’, and for guidance on what Licensing Boards and Local Licensing Forums could and should do with regard to public health.

A public health principle has been enshrined in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. This legislation applies to both the on-trade (pubs, clubs, restaurants) and off-trade (supermarkets, convenience stores, off-licences) in Scotland. “Protection and Improvement of Public Health” is one of five licensing objectives that Licensing Boards must take into consideration when granting or renewing licences.

This booklet gives Licensing Boards and Local Licensing Forums information on what the public health principle might mean for them in practice.