The Scottish government has announced plans to reform the laws and regulations governing off-licences.

Under the executive plans local communities are to be given more rights to object to the granting of off-licences in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

In many towns north of the border off-licences have become magnets for local youths who disturb those who live nearby.

Justice minister Cathy Jamieson has also announced a package of measures to control the spread of off-licences to make it more difficult for children to buy alcohol illegally.

The move came as the Scots administration published the report of a group chaired by Peter Daniels, the chief executive of East Renfrewshire council.

Under new licensing proposals, to be published this year, local people will be given rights to make objections and representations before an off-sales licence is granted.

Licensing boards will be required to make an assessment of over provision, where necessary blocking off-licence applications in anti-social behaviour "hot spots".

The devolved government wants to work towards a national "no proof no sale" initiative .

The lord advocate will also examine whether there is scope for extending test purchasing to alcohol in light of the tobacco test purchasing pilots.
 
“Local people want a greater say over the granting of off-licences and for their objections to be seriously considered.  Many communities have concerns about the concentration of off-licences in what quickly become hot spots for boozed-up young people," said Jamieson.

“Peter Daniels and his group have identified better ways in which individuals and community representatives can make their views known, and for those views to be given proper consideration."

Jamieson added that the growth trend in the number of off-licences cannot be sustained.

“I also believe a clear definition of what constitutes 'over-provision' of off-licences would help Licensing Boards when deciding whether a new off-sales licence is granted," she said.

"There are three times as many off-licences now than there were 50 years ago – yet our population has hardly changed. One or two off-licences may be a useful asset for a community. Too many can be a scourge."