Local licensing forums

We review how alcohol licensing is managed in your area and how it affects local communities. We look at decisions made by the Licensing Board and consider what they mean for safety, health and wellbeing. We gather evidence, discuss local issues and give clear advice to the Board. You can apply to join the forum if you care about your community and want to help shape local licensing.

Our role

We keep the licensing system under review and share our views with the Licensing Board. We do not comment on individual licence applications or cases. Instead, we look at the bigger picture and how decisions affect the area as a whole.

The Board must consider our advice when making decisions. If they choose not to follow it, they must explain why.

What we focus on

We work to support these key goals:

• Prevent crime and disorder
• Keep people safe
• Reduce public nuisance
• Protect and improve public health
• Protect children from harm

To do this, we look at:

• what is happening locally with alcohol use and licensed premises
• how Licensing Board decisions are affecting communities
• whether more action is needed, and how this might shape licensing policy

We gather information from a range of sources, including data, local insight and partner organisations, to support our recommendations.

Who can join

We welcome people with an interest in licensing and community wellbeing. Our forum aims to reflect a broad mix of voices, including:

• police representatives
• health, education and social care workers
• young people
• people working in licensed premises
• local residents

We want balanced, independent views that represent the community.

How the forum works

By law, every council must have a local licensing forum under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The forum:

• meets regularly to discuss local licensing issues
• receives relevant information and statistics
• works with partners such as local alcohol action teams
• has a Licensing Standards Officer as a member to link practice and policy
• meets with the Licensing Board at least once a year

We act independently from the Licensing Board and any interest groups. This helps us give fair, impartial advice.

Why our work matters

An effective forum helps improve how licensing works in your area. By bringing together local knowledge and expertise, we can:

• identify key issues early
• suggest practical changes
• help reduce harm linked to alcohol

We aim to build trust with residents, businesses and the Licensing Board by offering clear, balanced advice.

Get involved

If you want to help shape your local area and improve community wellbeing, you can apply to join the forum by email locallicensingforum@southlanarkshire.gov.uk