Licensing Standards (Alcohol)

The council is required to have a Licensing Standards Officer, often called an “LSO” to work with licence holders, members of the public and regulatory partners in connection with the sale of alcohol.

The LSO is independent of the Licensing Board.

The functions of the LSO include:

Providing information and guidance concerning the operation of the Licensing Scotland Act 2005 within Orkney

Supervising the compliance by the holders of premises licences and occasional licences, with the conditions of their licences and other requirements of the Licensing Scotland Act 2005

Providing information to the Licensing Board about any conduct of holders of, or persons applying for, personal licences in the area, which is inconsistent with the licensing objectives,

Providing mediation services for the purpose of avoiding or resolving disputes or disagreements between the holders of the licences and other persons concerning any matter relating to compliance.

The LSO has various powers to enable them to undertake these duties and may from time to time visit Licensed premises and investigate any complaints or concerns that are raised.

The LSO is also asked to comment on applications for licences that are received under the Licensing (Scotland) Act2005 and is member of the Orkney Licensing Forum.

If you wish to contact the LSO please email LSO@orkney.gov.uk for assistance.