SUBMISSION FROM FALKIRK COUNCIL

I have been invited to comment on the consultation on behalf of Falkirk Council. The deadline for consultation responses, however, has precluded any opportunity to have the subject discussed at Committee level. Consequently, the response essentially reflects the views of officers.

· Do you support the general principles of the Bill and the key provisions it sets out?

The general principles of the Bill are fully supported. The key provisions are also supported, subject to the additions noted under the following point.

· Are there any omissions from the Bill that you would like to see added?

The omission of public houses from "Public Places" listed in Schedule 2 is considered inappropriate, particularly given the inclusion of "Clubs" at Schedule 2 (1) and "Hotels" at Schedule 2 (4).

It is considered appropriate, if the initiative is to be fully taken in applying what is a significant public health protection and improvement measure, that controls should apply across all licensed premises selling "food" as defined in the Food Safety Act 1990. To this end, the exclusion of drink, or biscuits, nuts, potato crisps, chewing gum, confectionery and other similar products from the definition of "food" at Section 10 is also seen as an omission.

I have no additional comments to make on implementation or application of provisions at this time.