Symp 3 - Alcohol and the Law

Question 1

what is the role of the North East Division Licensing Team?

Answer 1

• Respond to the Licensing Board in respect of alcohol licensing applications
• Respond to the Licensing Committee in respect of civic licensing applications
• Represent the Chief Constable at sittings
• Monitor incidents at licensed premises
• Engage with premises licence holders through intervention – address issues
• Work in partnership – local authorities, health, the trade, security industry and many initiatives

Question 2

in recent times, how has alcohol consumption changed?

Answer 2

Over the past few decades, alcohol in our society has become cheaper, stronger and more available. Total alcohol consumption has more than doubled. The more we drink, the greater the burden of harm we experience – to our health, to the well-being of our families and communities, and to society as a whole.

Question 3

what Provides regulation of the sale of alcohol?

Answer 3

Question 4

Supporting the Licensing Objectives - what are the 5 licensing objectives?

Answer 4

• Preventing Crime and Disorder
• Securing Public Safety
• Preventing Public Nuisance
• Protecting and Improving Public Health
• Protecting Children and Young Persons from Harm

Question 5

what are Licensing offences?

Answer 5

• Sale to, on behalf of, allow consumption by (on premises) , under 18 and under 18 to buy, attempt to buy consume (on premises), give to under 18 (public place) ,deliver to, send for…
• Attempt to enter whilst drunk, or be drunk and incapable of taking care of self (on)
• Sell to drunk person, obtain or attempt to obtain for a drunk person (on)
• Whilst drunk, behave in disorderly manner or use obscene/indecent language to annoyance of others
• Allow drunkenness or disorderly conduct (on (licensed premises))
• Refuse to leave

•Low level disposal

Question 6

Sobriety status of offenders

(ASB = anti-social behaviours, breach of peace, threatening someone)

Answer 6

Question 7

what is Vulnerability through Intoxication?

Answer 7

• Increased risk of committing a crime, becoming the victim of a crime or misadventure
• Actions and decisions are affected by alcohol
• Adverse incidents – reactive measure
• Proactive approach – consultation with five Licensing Boards for their new statements of Licensing Policy 2018 - 2023

Question 8

The Statement of Licensing Policy consultation process – the ‘ask’ we made

Answer 8

• All licence holders must have in place a duty of care policy to ensure a standard approach is taken when any patron appears to be displaying signs of excessive intoxication. The purpose of this policy is to reduce vulnerability through intoxication, however attained.
• All staff must have additional training in identifying signs of excessive intoxication and an enhanced awareness of vulnerability through intoxication. This should include use of material such as the ‘Who are You?’ video (whoareyou.nz) or similar.
• All related training should be recorded and such records available for inspection by Police Scotland and LSOs.

Question 9

what are Other risk factors and reducing intoxication?

Answer 9

• Private space consumption
• Longer and later hours
• Physiological factors
• How alcohol is consumed
• Are customers drinking rapidly
• Other substances involved
• Mix of types of alcohol
• Bottle sales - consider a policy
• ‘Shots’ drinks – consider a policy