Scotland to face licensing reform under Nicholson Committee proposals

Scotland's licensing laws could be facing significant reform if the government takes on the recommendations of the Nicholson Committee.

Rumours are circulating that the committee, which has spent two years reviewing all aspects of licensing law and practice in Scotland, will propose a system of separate licences for premises and licensees as well as more flexible opening hours.

It is expected to release the full report in July.

It is likely to call for mandatory training for licensees and a streamlining of the current licensing system. At the moment Scotland has six different types of licence and Sheriff Gordon Nicholson, who heads up the committee, is likely to suggest the introduction of just two: on-licence and off-licence.

The Scottish system of licensing replaced magistrates with councillors on licensing benches in 1976. It is thought that the report will also propose that licensing boards should have fewer members who are better trained in all aspects of licensing law.

Although the newly-elected Scottish government has indicated that licensing reform will not be one of its priorities there are still concerns about some of the potential proposals that could effect the industry.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "We are still in limbo here. This report could give more control to licensing boards. It could mean a free for all on licensing and it's going to be a difficult situation for licensees."

The proposals could also meet with some opposition from politicians who are concerned that more flexible hours could lead to increases in drink related disorder and violence.

Central Scotland MSP Donald Gorrie recently slammed the low number of prosecution rates for drink-related offences. He said he was "amazed and disturbed" to find that not one licensee had been prosecuted in the last year for serving drink to people already intoxicated.