Scotland May Call Time on Mini-Bars

Mini-bars in Scottish hotels may have to be removed or padlocked under new licensing laws aimed at restricting children’s access to alcohol.

The recently-introduced liquor laws have prompted licensing boards to consider the risks presented by mini-bars.

Lawyers claim at least two Scottish licensing boards believe that, under the new regime, prohibiting mini-bars may amount to the safest “reasonable steps” they are required to take to prevent consumption by under-18s in hotel rooms, The Herald reports.

Perth and Kinross council says it will demand information from applicants with mini-bars about what precautions they will take to prevent access to alcohol by youngsters.

Falkirk council said that while it is not in the process of formulating a policy banning mini-bars, it has discussed the matter with legal representatives of hoteliers and suggested they take the matter on board.

By Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh