Scottish licensees have called for an end to happy hours, according to the Punch Papers, a survey of Punch Pub Company licensees.

66% of licensees said they should be abolished – 60% of licensees blamed them for binge drinking and a further 6% said they amounted to unfair competition.

18% of retailers asked said licensees should be encouraged to practice responsible retailing but happy hours continue and just 16% said they were a great way to attract customers.

More than 50 Punch licensees were questioned on their views on licensing reform, opening hours and training.

74% of licensees would like to see licensing decisions remain with the licensing boards – with 66% citing experience as the reason it should stay with them.

A further 4% said changes could lead to an increase in costs and 4% said the licensing boards had strong links with the emergency services which were very useful.

2% said the boards lacked experience with a further 2% saying licensing decisions should not be made by politicians. A further 4% said licensing boards took too long to make decisions, especially as they only sit quarterly.

Despite speculation on 24 hour opening, 62% of retailers said they would not change their hours.

Only 6% would like 24 hour opening, 4% would like all day Sunday opening and 14% would like longer hours at weekends and bank holidays.

The remaining 14% would prefer the abolition of extensions and the introduction of permitted, extended opening hours, agreed at the time the license was granted.

And more than 72% of licensees believe there should be a compulsory minimum entry qualification for all licensees in Scotland.

Punch Pub Company regional operations director Sue Allen said the survey had highlighted some key areas in licensing reform.

“As a company, the views of our retailers on such issues are paramount to us,” she said.

“We believe we have a duty to support them and we will forward a copy of the Punch Papers research findings to the Scottish Executive committee on licensing reform.

“It is evident that licensees believe the home of licensing is with the licensing boards because they have the experience and knowledge of the system.

“It is also clear that 24 hour opening is not necessarily the solution for all retailers or the customer, but more flexibility is required and this is what we shall be campaigning for on behalf of our licensees.

“We are also proud that all our licensees take part in a compulsory training course, before taking on a pub, and will be pushing for the same minimum standard for all licensees in Scotland.”

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