What does the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 cover?

The Act controls the premises and people that can sell alcohol and the system of licensing. More information can be found at http://local-licensing-forums.org.uk/glossary and a very brief overview is given here.

Dual licensing

Both the premises and the people that sell alcohol must be licensed

Training

Training is required for the decision makers (Licensing Board members), compliance officers (Licensing Standards Officers) and those that sell alcohol (personal licence holders and staff)

Officials

Licensing Boards make decisions on applications and reviews of premises and personal licences
Licensing Standards Officers ensure that the licensed trade are complying with the law, but they also offer advice and mediate in low level disputes
Police enforce the law

5 objectives
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is based on 5 licensing objectives. All licensing decisions must be made with reference to these 5 objectives. All are of equal importance. They are:

preventing crime and disorder,
securing public safety,
preventing public nuisance,
protecting and improving public health, and
protecting children from harm.