§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is in a position to state his intentions in regard to possible amendments to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, including any steps he may contemplate in relation to drinking in inappropriate public places.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe recent review of the 1976 Act has revealed a large measure of support for a344W number of the reforms canvassed in the consultation paper issued in 1986. Some of these are designed to enhance the more civilised regime which has developed since enactment of the 1976 Act, for instance to assist families—particularly in tourist and holiday areas—by introducing special children's certificates which will enable families to enjoy a pub lunch in suitable premises. We propose to legislate accordingly. Other provisions in the proposed legislation will be aimed at reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in the processing of licence applications, for example by enabling applicants to cover the issue of afternoon and Sunday opening in their initial applications. This again will be subject to suitable safeguards against abuse; and, in particular, we accept the clear majority view against any increase in Sunday hours for public houses.
Other provisions in this package will, however, remove the present prohibition on the operation of off-sales licences in Scotland on Sundays and will allow "tastings" on off-sales premises. We have also received many representations about the proliferation of regular late night extensions; and we propose a much tighter control in that regard, for example, by requiring that applicants shall show good reason why the particular locality needs or would benefit from such extension. We also propose a stricter regime by banning repeated applications within two years of any unsuccessful application; and there will be a number of amendments of a clarificatory or procedural nature. These provisions will be introduced when an appropriate legislative opportunity presents; and we shall, meantime, be very happy to consider any further representations about them.
Another area of concern has been the problem of drinking in public places. Following consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and chief constables, the Government have decided to allow an experiment by up to three local authorities in the use of byelaws to prohibit drinking in certain designated localities. The aim of the experiment, which will be carefully monitored by Scottish Office researchers over a two year period, is to see whether such a byelaw can usefully add to the powers already available to the police to deal with the nuisance and distress which can be caused by the anti-social and loutish behaviour of groups of people who over indulge in alcohol in certain public places. Consultation about the appropriate locations, are well advanced and a further announcement in that regard will be made in early course. We expect to be able to confirm bye-laws for the selected areas by the autumn of this year.