The study, published in BMJ Public Health, found that 38 Aberdeen bars were allowed to trade until 03:00 between March 2017 and October 2020, weekend night alcohol-related ambulance call outs rose 11.4%, while reported crime increased 8.5%.
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The findings come as Aberdeen and other Scottish cities have approved extended opening hours during the World Cup in June. Pubs in England and Wales have been permitted to stay open later for certain matches, while in Scotland, local authorities have taken their own approach to extensions.
Extended hours vs health harms
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald, of The Institute for Social Marketing and Health at the University of Stirling, who leads the wider research programme, told The Morning Advertiser (MA): “Our findings provide new evidence to allow policymakers to consider whether and how their proposals balance trade or public demand for extra opening, with the impacts of that in terms of health harms and pressure on emergency services.
“Each local area may view this balance differently depending on what evidence they have on local demand, pre-existing harms from alcohol, and pressure on local services.”
The report also examined Glasgow, where 10 nightclubs were granted a one-hour extension to 04:00 in 2019. That move found no material measurable impacts, although local stakeholders reported added pressure on frontline services.
Researchers said the different outcomes may reflect the larger number of venues involved in Aberdeen, the longer extensions granted and the type of premises included.
Peak alcohol-related ambulance call outs in Aberdeen also shifted later, moving from between midnight and 01:00 to between 01:00 and 02:00.
Fitzgerald said the temporary tournament extensions differed from permanent licensing changes but warned the World Cup created specific risks.
She told The MA: “It is highly likely that there will be more people in premises, for them to be there much later at night than is normally the case, and for them to get more intoxicated than usual given the time of night and the occasion.”
The tournament has been viewed by many operators as a key summer trading opportunity, particularly for later kick-offs and knockout fixtures.
Safeguards urged
She said safeguards could include reliable late-night transport, additional trained staff, taxi marshals, extra police and ambulance provision, and stronger support for venue teams refusing service to drunk customers.
Leon Thompson executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “A modern licensing regime that is adaptable, responsive to consumer demand and prioritises economic growth is crucial for the success of Scottish hospitality.
“Throughout any reforms, hospitality businesses work closely with the local authority and police to ensure there are appropriate plans in place to protect staff and consumers.”
Police Scotland told The MA: “An appropriate policing plan will be in place.”
