The Scottish Government is currently consulting on potential proposals to restrict the promotion and advertisement of alcohol. There has already been pushback from companies in the drinks sector on the detrimental effects this could have on the trade, as it could heavily restrict advertising and promotion of alcohol.
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 sets out that Licensing Boards are required to publish their licensing policy every five years and the process usually takes place in the months following the Local Government elections. The purpose of this policy is to provide licensing applicants, community members and other interested parties with an indication of how the Board will manage the sale of alcohol in licenced premises in its areas. The policy will include things like permitted opening hours, children and young person’s access and will identify any areas of overprovision of licensed premises within the Boards locality. The Policy must promote the five licensing objectives.
The Scottish Government have launched a consultation on permitted development rights in relation to planning law. Amongst other things they are seeking views on permitted development rights for pavement seating adjacent to hospitality premises.
Update as at 10th May 2022 - The proposed legislation discussed in the following article (originally published in March 2022) has now been scrapped following its omission from the 2022 Queen's Speech.
