Booze crackdown could see hours cut

Council bosses hatch plan to reduce binge culture

Licensing chiefs could cut off sales hours in Renfrewshire over the next four years.

Council bosses are consulting on a booze shake-up which could change the way shops and pubs operate.

Proposals being considered include bringing forward the 10pm deadline to buy drink.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of charity Alcohol Focus Scotland, insists changing how booze is purchased will help those blighted by addiction.

She said: “Licensing is devolved to local boards so that decisions can better meet the needs of our local communities.

“Unfortunately, too often the people and communities affected by licensing decisions are unable to voice their opinions because of the complexity of the system.

“Despite one million Scots drinking too much, and the harm this causes to individuals, families and communities, we have seen an increase in the number of licensed premises over the last six years.

“It seems that every corner shop now sells alcohol, as well many petrol stations, sandwich bars and coffee shops.

“We need greater consistency, transparency and accountability from local licensing boards on how they are delivering on this.”

Council bosses have launched a consultation on the region’s licensing strategy until 2022.

They insist Paisley town centre is suffering from overprovision of vendors.

The probe was launched because they say too many shops, supermarkets and bars are able to sell drink.

There are 20 pubs and clubs selling from behind the bar in an almost 16acre site around New Street and St Mirren Street.

Local authority chiefs are canvassing views on bringing forward the off-sales deadline.

The review has raised the possibility of shifting the cut-off for buying drink to “an hour earlier than 10pm”.

Shopkeepers may be able to ask for an exception if they can “persuade the board” there is good reason.

Sunday sales could also be affected, with the time customers can start buying booze being shifted back an hour to 11am.

Business owners could also be compelled to have a staff member trained on CCTV on shift during trading hours.

Police Scotland has recommended the change to help cut crime and disorder.

Pete Cheema OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation said: “We are not in a position to comment specifically on the proposals set out in the Statement of Licensing Policy as published by Renfrewshire Licensing Board as we have not as yet formally responded to the consultation that took place.

“We do, however, recognise licensing boards have a duty to assess overprovision under Section 7 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 in respect of licensed premises or licensed premises of a particular description in any locality within a board’s area.

“Alcohol is an important sales category for our members’ stores with a sales turnover of 15 per cent and with 76 per cent of convenience stores having an alcohol licence.

“SGF believe the licensing system should be not onerous on retailers – our members are responsible community retailers and they put considerable effort into ensuring alcohol is sold in a responsible way.”

The local authority says it wants to hear views from businesses, as well as customers.

A spokesman said: “Consultation is being carried out to prepare an upto-date statement of licensing policy as a legal requirement of the licensing board.

“The board has an important role to play in promoting health and securing public safety when taking decisions on the licensing of the sale of alcohol in Renfrewshire.

“The current policy, which was last reviewed in 2015, declared Paisley town centre as being overprovided with pub-type premises and the current consultation will consider if this is still the case.

“A wide range of key stakeholders, including licensed trade practitioners, are now being consulted and the public can also comment on the situation in their towns and villages.

“The responses will help to shape the final policy for Renfrewshire and guide decision making over the coming years.”

For more information, visit http:// www. renfrewshire. gov. uk/ licensingpolicyreview