Vertical drinking scare "overblown

Scares that vertical drinking policies will be brought in under new Scottish Licensing Laws have been described as "overblown" as most pubs already include 25 per cent of their premises as seating.

This is according to Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, who added that licensing boards who try to implement such policies would be overstepping their powers anyway.

Reports in the Scottish media have raised concerns that plans to force pubs to provide more seating might jeopardise some of the smaller, character, venues. However, these reports are based on the notion that licensing boards might try to enforce 50 per cent seating.

Browne has heard that Perth and Kinross, Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire licensing boards are looking at 25 per cent vertical drinking policies. But he argues that any such restriction could only be brought in using powers under Health and Safety or Building Regulations - and not the new licensing laws.

He said: "So far the only policies I have seen have been for larger premises like night clubs - they would argue that they need a dance floor area."

He added that the boards don't have to give problem pubs licences in the first place and don't have to resort to exceeding their powers.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "There is no reason why licensing boards should get involved in this level of micro detail. If this is the level then we have a problem because there are 50 odd of them. It's inappropriate."

On reports that small premises might be forced to place seating at the bar, Waterson added: "People like to stand at the bar. One of the things about pubs is that if you come in on your own you can stand at the bar."