Scotland's liquor licensing changes: an assessment.

Abstract

The impact of the changes in Scotland's liquor licensing laws was assessed by comparing trends in alcohol related problems in Scotland with those in England and Wales. The study showed no appreciable effect on the level of alcohol related morbidity and mortality, though some improvements were noted in relation to the rates of convictions for drunkenness. The changes introduced since 1976 appeared to be popular and there was widespread perception that public drunkenness had become less common-place.