Nightclubs to open until 4am to ‘curb’ problem drinking
NIGHTCLUBS in Scotland’s largest city could see their opening hours extended to 4am under plans to boost the economy.
Glasgow licensing chiefs said that allowing late-night venues to remain open an extra hour could create jobs.
And they also hope that later opening times would see clubbers adopt a more ‘European’ approach to drinking – and avoid a last-minute rush to the bar.
The proposal for 4am closing emerged in a draft policy issued for public consultation yesterday, which also sets out wider reforms of the licensed trade.
But Dr Eric Carlin, director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, said: ‘The idea that we need more places to drink and more time to drink is just ridiculous.
‘We have an average of 24 alcohol-related deaths a week in Scotland – around 20 to 30 per cent higher than the rest of the UK.
‘European-style drinking is just not what we do – we need more restrictions on alcohol consumption and more sensible regulation.’
Bosses at SNP-run Glasgow City Council said the ‘nighttime economy’ supports 16,600 jobs.
Licensing board chairman Councillor Matt Kerr said that the proposals emerged
‘The idea is just ridiculous’
from discussions with venue bosses.
He said: ‘We listened carefully to the submissions we received about the importance of the night-time economy to the city centre.
‘There’s also a strong view that a more European approach would avoid the rush to consume alcohol before closing time that then spills out on to our city centre streets.
‘By potentially granting licences until 4am, while demanding the highest possible standards from licence holders, we are striking the right balance between the licence trade and the needs of the wider community.
‘It’s very important to stress that this is still a proposal and that in any event, 4am closing would still be the subject of a pilot programme.’
Late licences will only be handed out to clubs or other venues if the licence holder can demonstrate a good track record.
Under the proposal, any licence-holder that secures 4am closing would have the operation of their venue reviewed after a year.
Other proposals include allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to remain on licensed premises.
Mr Kerr added: ‘We want to see best practice delivered as a matter of course by the city’s licensed trade.
‘I hope people respond to the consultation to help inform our final policy statement.’
Nightclubs and other late-night venues are generally licensed to 3am in the city centre and 2am in all other areas. Casinos have been granted licensed hours until 6am.
A police spokesman said: ‘This is one of many proposals out for consultation in the boards draft policy statement.
‘We will be liaising with partner agencies to formulate our response, which will thereafter be submitted on behalf of Greater Glasgow Police Division.’