Tackling Alcohol Misuse: the future of licensing policy in Scotland

Hosted by the 3rd Annual Licensing Board Conveners conference

Tuesday 23rd March 2010, King James Thistle Hotel, Edinburgh

Chaired by

Councillor Ronnie McColl, Convener, West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board

Featured speakers include

Jackie Baillie, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing

                                         

The effects of alcohol misuse cost Scotland an estimated £2.25 billion in 2006-7 - over £500 per adult. Over-consumption is responsible for around 3,000 deaths, 42,000 hospital stays and 110,000 GP visits every year.

2010 could mark a significant change in Scotland's relationship with drink. As Licensing Boards, Licensing Standards Officers, Police and licensees adopt an increasingly pragmatic approach to ensure the bedding-in of the 2005 Licensing Act, the Scottish Government is seeking to compliment and strengthen the Act with an Alcohol Bill.

The Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill will amend the Act by seeking to establish a minimum retail pricing scheme for alcoholic products; regulate the display of promotional materials relating to alcohol within off-sales and end off-sales promotions which supply alcohol free of charge or at a reduced rate; and introduce a duty on Boards to include detrimental impact statements, within their licensing policy, on the effects of off-sales to under-21s in their area. In addition, it makes provision for the introduction of a ‘social responsibility levy' applicable to licence holders to help offset the costs incurred by local authorities of alcohol misuse.

Hearing from leading policy makers, licensing regulators, health practitioners, community leaders and trade representatives, this one-day conference will provide an opportunity for Licensing Board Conveners, members and clerks to debate the proposals to modernise licensing law, consider which of the plans are likely to enjoy cross-party support and examine the effects additional legislation will have on stakeholders. It will also review the end of the transition period for the Licensing (Scotland) Act and explore how regulators and licensees have adapted to the new regime.

If you have any queries regarding the conference or would like find out more information, please contact Karen by email  k.todd@mackayhannah.com or call 0131 556 7704

Delegate Rates

Full - £270.00 + VAT
private sector
Standard - £235.00 + VAT
public sector
Reduced - £190.00 + VAT
professional bodies, trade unions, charities with turnover greater than £1M, universities and colleges
Supported - £120.00 + VAT
charities with turnover less than £1M, voluntary and community organisations