Later opening hours for alcohol licensed premises in Scotland amidst economic and social instability: local stakeholder experiences based on semi-structured interviews

Citation

Mitchell G, O'Donnell R, Cook M, Uny I, Maxwell K, Emslie C & Fitzgerald N Later opening hours for alcohol licensed premises in Scotland amidst economic and social instability: local stakeholder experiences based on semi-structured interviews. In: , Johannesburg, South Africa, 05.06.2023-08.06.2023. 48th Annual Alcohol Epidemiology Symposium of the Kettil Bruun Society.

Abstract
Introduction - International evidence demonstrates that extensions in late-night opening of alcohol premises are linked to increased intoxication, assaults, injuries, disorder, and burden on public services. There are, however, few UK-based qualitative studies on the topic, and no studies on trading hours have been conducted in Scotland since the 1970s. Between 2017 and 2019, two different processes led to local decisions to permit later opening hours in 10 nightclubs in Glasgow (a 1-hour extension) and ~40 bars in Aberdeen (up to 2 hours extension). As part of a wider mixed-methods study of this natural experiment, we aimed to explore the issue of premises opening hours in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and a UK cost of living crisis.   Methods - We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 local stakeholders, including representatives from public health and licensing teams, frontline staff, and venue owners. Data will be analysed using the framework approach.   Results - We will report on stakeholders’ reflections on the consequences of policy changes between 2018 and 2022, including venue owner views on the impact of extending opening hours on their trade. The influence of the covid-19 pandemic and subsequent UK cost of living crisis on premises opening hours will be explored. This will include the experiences of frontline staff during periods of both restriction and expansion of opening hours.  Conclusions - Our findings will have implications for policymakers in Scotland, and for wider research on alcohol availability during times of economic and social instability.