SUBMISSION 27
Memorandum submitted by the Scottish Licensed
Trade Association
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association was
formed in 1880, is the only body representing all sectors of the
Licensed Retail Trade in Scotland and with over 2,200 members
is recognised by many as the voice of the Licensed Trade in Scotland.
The Association has three core functions—trade
development, trade protection and trade liaison. The Association
works with, and in many cases has representation on, various groups
such as the Criminal Justice Forum; Excise Alliance; Local Authorities;
Liquor Licensing Boards; Scottish Tourism Forum and many more.
The SLTA has formed a close working relationship with The Scottish
Executive and is consulted on all issues concerning the Licensed
Trade in Scotland. Only recently the President of The SLTA was
invited by the Deputy First Minister and Minister of Justice,
The Rt Hon Jim Wallace QC MSP, to sit on the Scottish Liquor Licensing
Law Review Committee.
The Association expressed it's concerns regarding
the Government Review on Gambling to the Rt Hon Richard Caborn
MP, Minister for Sport back in October 2001.
The Association is still very much concerned
that it would appear that Public Houses, "pubs", are
being singled out and will see little or no benefit from the proposals,
compared with other entertainment premises which could substantially
benefit.
Over the years the services provided by the
Liquor Licensed Trade have been "poached" by other establishments,
and it is about time, the balance was redressed. For example betting
shops now have A.W.P. Machines, can serve food and soft drinks,
how long will it be before they are permitted to serve alcohol?
With regard to the introduction of statutory
age controls, the Licensed Trade, which already operates in a
very strict and controlled environment, fully supports this view.
The members of this Association do not perceive that there is
a problem with under 18's playing AWP machines in Licensed Premises,
but would suggest that Registered Clubs should have far stricter
controls. Individuals under 18 can play in these premises where
the jackpot is far higher than that in Licensed Premises and very
often there is little or no control over this. In fact we would
question that if a registered club is considered as "an extension
of one's home" would one really have an AWP machine in his
or her own dwelling.
In the interests of fair competition and non-discrimination,
we would advocate that payout levels should be the same in all
premises.
AWP machines area a part of the traditional
leisure facilities offered within the Licensed Trade. These premises
have unjustly been singled out within the report for restructuring
gaming activities. On the other hand, casinos, bingo halls, and
betting offices have opportunity for widespread liberalisation
of AWP machine facilities. Members of The Scottish Licensed Trade
Association are simply asking for parity with other entertainment
establishments in order to survive in this extremely competitive
market.
Copy of letter to Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP.[
not printed]
2nd May 2002
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