Pub safe drinking pledge as Highland licensing group takes stock of changes
REVELLERS heading for a night out in licensed premises in Ross-shire can be assured of an environment that’s “safer and more professionally run than ever before”.
That’s the pledge from the Highland Licensing Forum during one of the busiest times of the year for the trade.
It has been taking stock some six years after an overhaul of the alcohol licensing system in September 2009.
It’s claimed that drinking in a pub or other licensed premises has been made safer than tippling at home or in other “unregulated environments”.
The Highland Licensing Forum reviews the work of the Licensing Board and gives advice and makes recommendations. It meets at least four times a year and is made up of licence holders and residents as well as representatives from the council, NHS Highland, Police Scotland and the Fire Service.
Changes in legislation have increased joint working between the Highland Licensing Board, the trade, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Licensing Standards Officers have also been introduced.
Ross-shire based Ramsay McGhee, convener of Highland Licensing Forum, said: “With the festive season upon us, many people across the Highlands will be planning nights out to celebrate. It may be comforting to them to note that they will be enjoying themselves in a licensing environment which is safer and more professionally run than ever before.”
He cited compulsory training for premises managers and bar staff and a revamped system for applying for a licence or making objections or complaints.
He said: “Early this year Highland Licensing Forum carried out a review of the operation of the Act in Highland area. The forum looked back at the problems perceived to be caused by excess alcohol consumption including antisocial behaviour, crimes of disorder, health issues, underage drinking and binge drinking.
“The forum considered whether licensing arrangements after 2009 had reduced these problems taking into account statistical and anecdotal evidence from its members. We concluded that antisocial behaviour, assaults, serious assaults and crimes of disorder around licensed premises are reducing in number.
“The review also showed that proof of age schemes and age verification policies have made it extremely hard for underage people to purchase alcohol from licensed premises. Recent evidence tends to show that most alcohol consumed by children or young people comes from domestic homes.
“Professional stewarding of the late night economy aligned with proactive and well run pubwatch schemes in Inverness and major towns across Highland have made a real impact in excluding persons who choose to indulge in antisocial behaviour in licensed premises.
“Police Scotland and licence holders have long advocated the benefits of safe drinking in on-sales premises where public safety, and conformity with licensing laws and licence conditions are integral to the sale of alcohol, when compared to drinking at home and in other unregulated environments.”
Safe drinking’s win-win
NHS Highland and Highland Alcohol & Drugs Partnership (HADP) are flagging safe drinking limits (2-3 units per day for women and 3-4 units per day for men) ahead of the festive season.
Elisabeth Smart, consultant in public health said: “People who have changed to drink more sensibly tell us they tend to sleep better, have more energy, feel happier and less anxious and have more money in their pockets. We know that alcohol continues to cause significant problems for some and we would urge anyone seeking information or advice in relation to issues concerning alcohol to consult the HADP website.”
It can be found at www.highland-adp.org.uk/alcohol.
Sergeant Bruce Gray, of Police Scotland Liquor and Civic Government Licensing Department, said: “The review carried out by the Highland Licensing Forum has been very useful in highlighting the successful steps taken by partner agencies to help keep people safe.
"Multiagency initiatives such as Pub Watch and Operation Respect aim to ensure everyone can socialise safely across the Highlands and Islands. Police Scotland will continue to make the message very clear: antisocial and violent behaviour will not be tolerated. We will also continue to ensure young people are kept safe from harm associated with underage drinking.
“As part of ensuring people enjoy their night out, police and partners encourage sensible drinking and looking after each other on nights out. Having the support of and working alongside Licensees, door and bar staff and of course patrons themselves allows the social economy of our towns and cities to flourish in addition to ensuring everyone enjoys their evenings out in a safe environment.”