Highland Licensing Board agree policy on over-provision of off-sales outlets

Members of the Highland Licensing Board have unanimously agreed to adopt a policy which will presume against the grant of future off-sales licences on premises with an alcohol display area of greater than 40 square metres.

All existing premises will retain their licences and the policy will apply to all new applications seeking an alcohol sales area of more than 40 square metres.
The policy will take effect from 1 December and last for three years, unless changed by the Board during this time.

In reaching its decision, Board members recognised the responses to its consultation on over-provision, including comments from NHS Highland, Police Scotland, the Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership and the Highland Licensing Forum and a number of Community Councils.

In Highland, there are approximately 234 grocery outlets with an alcohol display area of 40 square metres or less.

There are also approximately 33 grocery outlets and supermarkets with an  alcohol sales area of more than 40 square metres.  The biggest sales area of any supermarket extends to over 370 square metres.

Licensing Board Convener Councillor Maxine Smith thanked the many public agencies, community groups and individuals who had taken the time and effort to respond to the Board’s consulation on over-provision.

She said: “There is compelling evidence that there is an over-provision of sales outlets for alcohol in the Highlands and that this has a direct and serious effect on people’s health.

“Licensing is one of the many ways that we tackle alcohol abuse and improve the health of our local communities.” 

She added: “There is nothing to prevent a business seeking permission for an off-sales licence in premises with a capacity greater than 40 square metres, but the onus will be on them to persuade the Board why it should depart from its policy.  The applicant must demonstrate clear benefits for that community.”