The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has asked the Scottish Executive to extend the submission deadline for its consultation on the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 Draft Guidance and Regulations.

The 230-page draft document explains how the new licensing regime in Scotland will be implemented in 2009.

George Lyon, deputy minister for finance and public service reform, said: “The consultation on guidance and regulations aims to balance the needs of the licensed trade for a modern and responsive licensing system with changes to our cultural attitude to alcohol in order to help reduce health problems and antisocial behaviour.

“This consultation is an opportunity for those who work or have a direct interest in the licensing industry to comment on the proposals, to help us develop this secondary legislation. The Executive will examine the findings of this consultation before laying the regulations in Parliament next year.”

Patrick Browne, chief executive of SBPA, said however: “The consultation period is much shorter than the normal three-month period provided for such discussions. The results of the consultation will lay the foundations for the operation of the next licensing regime in Scotland for perhaps the next 40 years and its important that the Executive doesn’t rush the exercise.” Details: www.scottishpubs.co.uk

Photograph: SBPA chief executive Patrick Browne