Scotland already has a similar system to the one proposed in the new Licensing Bill - and there are concerns that 'binge drinking' is on the increase, writes Jim Sheridan MP

as an mp representing a scottishconstituency the proposed Licensing Bill will have a minimal effect on my constituents. Licensing in Scotland is currently administered by local authorities and this factor within the proposed bill serves to bring England and Wales into line with Scotland's licensing laws.

The administration of licensing laws by local authorities ensures that residents can voice concerns before a license is granted to neighbouring premises. It also allows for more local control over the renewal of licences based on such issues as the behaviour of customers.

Evidence has shown that the liberalisation of licensing laws in Scotland has not reduced "binge drinking" and that the Scottish Executive, local authorities, police and the licensing trade are all concerned that it continues to increase.

Research into the Scottish licensing system carried out by Cranfield University School of Management identified the following issues as major contributing factors to the increase in binge drinking. A terminal hour after 12 midnight for public houses generates excessive competitive pressure, resulting in heavy price discounting, increased binge drinking and increased alcohol-related disorder.

Liberalisation of licensing laws has also increased competition. This has made alcohol more affordable and this has increased consumption. As part of their competitive response to this environment, licensing premises employ price strategies which increase the amount of binge drinking, and in turn heighten the level of alcohol-related violence.

There is clear evidence that price discounting is now more apparent in Scottish towns and cities than ever before. Price wars in Dundee and Ayr have seen the price of a Vodka and Tonic fall as low as 30p. Glasgow and Edinburgh bars now have heavily discounted promotions catering for the afternoon drinker and the office crowds. There is evidence of the increase of the "magic glass" promotion commonly known as the "all you can drink for the evening" for fixed sum, usually under £10.

An area of major concern is the allowing of children into bars while unaccompanied, while there is evidence from European countries that this may encourage a culture of safe and responsible drinking, However binge drinking by Scottish teenagers is on the increase. While children in most European countries are given wine with their meals by their parents in an effort to encourage responsible alcohol consumption, most British children cannot wait to reach the legal age to drink in order to emulate the drinking habits of their parents.

Three boys aged between 10 and 12 were recently admitted to Stirling Royal Infirmary, suffering from the effects of alcohol. The two boys aged 12 were described as suffering from drowsiness and vomiting but the condition of the 10-year-old gave great cause for concern. His body temperature had to be raised, as it was dangerously low. Coupled with severe vomiting, his condition could have led to cardiac arrest.

Consumer advocates and anti-alcohol groups have recently called for regulations to place stricter controls on the marketing to teenagers of fruit-flavoured alcoholic drinks. Such drinks are known as alcopops and are designed to appeal to the younger drinker. The groups say that the new hard lemonades and other fruit-flavoured malt beverages are primarily targeted at teenage consumers. Alcopop drinks are clearly child-oriented products that are designed to get children to consume alcohol at an early age. The complaint called for an investigation into whether labelling and marketing of fruit-flavoured alcoholic beverages could be construed as unfair marketing practice under law. In response to the complaints, drinks manufacturers and distributors stated: "It's ridiculous to suggest that the flavour of a drink is what stands between a teenager abiding by the law or illegally breaking the law."

There are numerous methods that could be employed to reduce binge drinking. Alcohol manufactures could be compelled to include a warning of the effects of "excessive" drinking in their advertising in the same way as tobacco advertising, with control placed on its content to reduce the image that it is "cool and sexy" to consume alcohol. Compulsory training should be given to bar staff in order that they may determine more clearly when someone should no longer be served alcohol.And all agencies concerned should have regular meetings to monitor effectively the effects on their local community that such liberal licensing laws may incur.