Occasional alcohol licences granted to pubs across the Stirling area increased by 150 per cent, new figures show. The rise was detailed in this year’s Police Scotland report, written by Chief Constable Jo Farrell and presented to a special meeting of the District of Stirling Licensing Board on Wednesday.
Sharp rise in licences granted
Between April 1 last year and March 31 this year, some 745 occasional licences were granted across the area, compared with 301 in the corresponding period a year earlier. This represents an increase of 147.508 per cent. There were also 131 personal licences, 11 premises licences and 129 variations of licences granted.
A police officer confirmed that 375 pro-active visits had been carried out over a year, and the number of charges related to people consuming or possessing alcohol in a public place was 16, up three from 13 last year.
Policing operations and partnerships
Weekend policing remained in place via Operation Steadfast, centred on the night time economy in the city centre, including events, parades and extended occasional licences. The freshers events from university and events over the festive period were also targeted. Police had partner agency discussions with the community policing inspector, licensing department and the council anti-social behaviour team, along with CCTV and street pastors. They were prioritising everyone’s safety.
They also considered any significant events taking place, and not everything was within the city centre. Through the past calendar year there was an increase of 10 people charged in relation to being drunk and disorderly on licensed premises.
Education and community initiatives
There were no objections for new premises during the relevant period, and all applications for personal licences are considered by police. They looked to educate young people in secondary schools about the dangers of underage drinking and took feedback from this. No offences had been reported for staff selling alcohol to under-18s in licensed premises.
The Community Alcohol Partnership, designed to reduce alcohol harm among under-18s, was in place in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane and is being progressed for Bannockburn, the city centre and some urban villages.
