12 August 2014
Researchers: Dr Evelyn Gillan, Laura Mahon, Petrina MacNaughton, Linda Bowie, James Nicholls,
Key findings
- Public health partners have increased engagement and participation in the licensing process in Scotland
- Scottish Statements of Licensing Policy show an increased use of health evidence in comparison to 2010
- In 2013, ten licensing boards in Scotland have declared overprovision compared to seven in 2010, with five over a large geographical area.
- Almost three quarters of licensing policy statements do not declare overprovision in any areas
- Increased engagement with public health has raised confidence among some licensing officers in using overprovision to tackle harm
- However, more support is needed for health teams in gathering, analysing and interpreting health evidence to inform regulation
