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Publication - Advice and guidance

Alcohol licensing: guidance

Last updated
26 January 2023 - see all updates
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Law and order, Public sector

Guidance on alcohol licensing, personal licences and alcohol byelaws.

Alcohol byelaws

All local authorities in Scotland have the power to make byelaws that prohibit drinking in designated public places under provisions contained in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, subject to confirmation by the Scottish Ministers. Circular No.LJ/02/2014 provides advice to local authorities applying to the Scottish Ministers for confirmation.

More than 480 towns and villages across Scotland, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, have such byelaws.

Enquiries regarding local alcohol byelaws should be sent to the relevant local authority.

First published
1 December 2018
Last updated
26 January 2023 - show all updates

  1. All content updated to reflect the latest position and legislation.

  2. Link to Scottish liquor licensing statistics added.

  3. Removed broken link to Scottish liquor licensing statistics.

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