Licensing board defends teens toilet policy

A senior licensing chief has defended a policy which means under 16s have to be supervised in pubs at all times - even when using the toilet.

Glasgow's policy has been criticised by trade chiefs because it means children as young as 15 need an adult to accompany them constantly.

The statement requires that "while children are in any part of the licensed premises and in particular the toilet areas, they should at all times be within the sight of an accompanying adult.".

But Mandy MacPherson senior administrator at Glasgow's Licensing Board said: "[the requirement] was in recognition of some pubs not being child safe.

"We've never had any incident to give cause for alarm - license holders know what the spirit of it is, and are on board with what we mean," she said.

MacPherson also pointed out that the children's conditions had been in place before the new Licensing Act came into force in September and that no members of the licensing board had objected to the wording of the children's conditions.

But Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "This is not a common sense approach to young people in pubs. To include some supervision is expected, but this is taking it too far.

"Landlords have to do what the licensing body demands, but I hope that a common sense approach to enforcement prevails."

It is feasible that publicans could have their licences reviewed or revoked if they are found in breach of the condition.

The Licensing Act for England and Wales only requires those under 16 to be "in the company" of someone 18 or over.