DOZENS of pubs and clubs which have been blighted by drink-related disorder are to be targeted by a new taskforce.
In the first initiative of its kinds in Scotland, Licensing Standards Officers (LSOs) are to be sent out by the local authority to gather evidence on antisocial behaviour in and around venues in the Grassmarket and Cowgate areas of Edinburgh.
The LSOs, at times working undercover, will assess premises and monitor compliance with licence conditions and gather information on any breaches of them.
They will be looking for bars which encourage binge drinking, sell alcohol to under-18s or continue to serve customers who are clearly the worse for wear.
Pubs, clubs and hotels flouting licence regulations face having their hours cut or their licences revoked.
The LSOs will also work in partnership with the police and the fire and rescue service.
The pilot scheme is backed by Tom Wood, chairman of Action on Alcohol and Drugs in Edinburgh, as part of his role to encourage responsible drinking and reduce the impact on local communities.
It comes in response to a recommendation in the Nicholson review of the country's licensing laws.
It will involve the 56 licensed premises in the Grassmarket and Cowgate being visited in the run-up to Christmas as part of an effort to build relationships with licensees and promote responsible drinking.
The multi-agency scheme, launched yesterday at the City Chambers, will later be rolled out across the capital in time for the new licensing legislation aimed at tackling under-age and binge drinking.
The move comes just weeks after community leaders said that the Grassmarket and Cowgate had become no-go areas seven days a week because of rowdy stag and hen parties and other late-night drinking.
Chief Superintendent Neil Richardson, of Lothian and Borders Police, said the city's "night-time economy" generated significant demands on various agencies.
He said: "The value of working closely together to address them cannot be overstated.
"I welcome this progressive initiative, which is an excellent start and can only benefit our local communities, business and the visiting public."
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