| Speaking at an Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland seminar on licensing at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Mr MacAskill said a well-enforced Licensing Act would help turn off the tap of cheap alcohol, put the brakes on violence fuelled by alcohol, remind licensees of their responsibilities and help change the country’s alcohol culture.
Mr MacAskill also stressed the important role the police will play in working with licensing officers and boards to make the forthcoming Act work with effective enforcement, helping to clamp down on underage sales, irresponsible promotions and adults buying alcohol for young people.
“Alcohol misuse is causing too much harm to Scottish people and communities,” he said.
“It’s destroying health, fuelling anti-social behaviour and causing crime. That’s why we need to take action to make our communities safer today and make our nation healthier in the future.”
The Justice Secretary added that the new Licensing Act was a big step in the right direction.
And by ensuring they are properly prepared for effective enforcement, police officers and others can play a big part in helping to make it a success.
Mr MacAskill said it was important the views of professionals who have to deal with this issue every day were heard and that was why he attended the ACPOS licensing sub-group seminar.
“I want to seek views on whether new options such as ‘polluter pays’ additional fees for late opening premises, particularly in so called drinking and anti-social behaviour hotspots, would be a useful addition.
“These fees could be used to create a fund to help offset the costs of additional policing in areas with a large number of late opening premises, areas that are considered anti-social behaviour hotspots.”
“I want to hear views on this and that’s why I’ve included it in the consultation on fee levels,” he said.
Later, Mr MacAskill went on walkabouts with community police officers in the Maryfield and Hilltown areas of Dundee.
He came to the city to see first hand Tayside’s community policing initiatives and discuss their impact with residents and local retailers.
He also visited the pioneering Community Intelligence Unit, which is a joint partnership between Tayside Police, Tayside Fire and Rescue and Dundee City Council.
Mr MacAskill said, “I am committed to making our communities safer and stronger. I want to make sure Dundee is a place where people young and old can walk down the streets without fear.
“Part of this is about tackling the fear of crime and deterring criminals — we’ve already stated our commitment to additional policing capacity equivalent to an extra 1000 officers.
“Community policing initiatives like these are a great example of how the police can work together with local residents and retailers to address local concerns.
“They play a valuable role in reassuring the community the police are working to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime and will complement the extra police capacity we are working to deliver.
“I’m glad to be able to see and hear about initiatives that are making a real difference to local communities and talk to the people making them happen.
“Part of my job is to promote good ideas and I hope others in Scotland can learn from these projects.” |
