SNP: pubs should pay fee for policing

Scotland's justice secretary has claimed pub and club owners should be made to pay for the policing of antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol.

The Scottish licensed trade has accused the Scottish National Party (SNP) of

performing a U-turn on the stance it took while in opposition and failing to consult the industry.

The scheme would result in late-opening premises being charged a further fee in addition to the annual £87 they pay to open beyond 11pm. Licensed trade officials point out that while in opposition the SNP opposed the policy.

But justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said those permitted to sell alcohol must bear the responsibility for the social and economic costs.

He said: "The effects of alcohol on our city and town centres is not cost-free and those who profit from it must contribute to addressing it. It's not right that taxpayers pick up the whole of the bill. Licensees should pay too."

He added: "Fees could be used to create a fund to help offset the costs of additional policing in areas with a large number of late-opening premises, areas that are considered antisocial behaviour hotspots on a Friday or Saturday night."

Eddie Tobin, head of the Scottish branch of the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association and chairman of the Glasgow Licensing Forum, told The Herald: "I'm horrified by this total U-turn. It also runs against what the leader of his party has told the trade and punishes innocent rates payers.

"Mr MacAskill needs to remember that those causing the antisocial behaviour fuelled by alcohol either haven't got into clubs or do so near their own homes."

Paul Waterson, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, added: "Scotland is a nation that now buys drink from the off-trade, mainly supermarkets. How can Mr MacAskill determine where the person became drunk?"