Under-21s face beer gardens ban under SNP alcohol plans

Published on Wednesday 8 October 2008 10:30

UNDER-21s could be barred from drinking in beer gardens or at pavement tables if controversial plans to raise the age limit for off-sales go ahead, according to city council chiefs.

They have warned that licensing regulations mean Scottish Government proposals to ban people under 21 buying alcohol at off-licences would also affect young people who bought a drink in a pub but then took it outside.

In its response to the consultation on the SNP Government's package of measures to tackle alcohol misuse, the council also came down against the idea of separate checkouts in supermarkets and voiced reservations on the proposed "social responsibility" levy to make pubs and clubs help meet the cost of antisocial behaviour.

A total of 530 responses were received to the consultation – 260 from individuals, 215 from organisations and 55 from MSPs and other sources. The ban on off-sales to under-21s has provoked a storm of protest and MSPs backed a Tory motion opposing the move, but so far ministers have indicated they plan to press ahead.

Edinburgh City Council said beer gardens operated under "tables and chairs" permits and because they were not technically part of licensed premises, drinks which were taken outside would be classed as off-sales.

The council questioned whether pilot schemes, including one in Armadale, proved raising the age limit to 21 would benefit communities.

It said: "We would like to see a more detailed study, similar to the West Lothian project highlighted, within a city environment such as Edinburgh to establish how effective it could be."

The council backed the Government's proposal to crack down on irresponsible drinks promotions and supported minimum pricing, though it said the drinks industry should have an input into the pricing structure. But it said separate checkouts for alcohol in supermarkets would "have no impact". And it questioned the proposed antisocial behaviour levy, saying: "We do not see how an objective assessment can be made of what premises is actually doing the harm."

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the Government's proposals were unashamedly radical. And she welcomed the level of response to the consultation.

She said: "We will take into account all of the views expressed as we develop legislation to address an issue that has an impact on the whole of society.

"I believe we have a real opportunity here to bring about a long-term cultural shift to re-balance Scotland's relationship with alcohol, which more and more evidence suggests has got worryingly out of kilter."