Scotland - Potential rule changes for Moray pubs and clubs to help curb antisocial behaviour

It is being reported that Moray Licensing Board are to consult on new rules which could be brought in for pubs across Moray ‘to help curb antisocial behaviour and bring a boost to the local economy’.

There are current policy restrictions in place which ban customers from entering bars and clubs selling alcohol in the region after 12:30am.  Draft proposals drawn up by Moray Council’s Licensing Board states that members decided that “the curfew is no longer an effective and proportionate means of promoting licensing objectives and such a condition should not automatically be attached to any premises licence.”

Chairman of the Licensing Board Committee, George Cowie, is reported to have said the changes have been proposed on the back of feedback from local pubs.   He said: “The whole thing comes from people arriving five minutes late, being refused entry and then causing a nuisance in the streets.”

“This causes unnecessary hassle for door men and bar staff and causes grief to anyone involved. The new legislation, if its passed, will mean they will be allowed in.”   If the legislation is approved, it will be put in place as licences come up to be renewed.

A further change highlighted would scrap a current ban on children from being allowed in pubs for food after 8pm. There will be a two hour extension if the new rule is approved allowing youngsters in establishments until 10pm instead.