This has been another tough year for Scotland's nightclubs. The Night-Time Industries Association found there are only 82 clubs left in Scotland. That's down from 125 in 2020, a drop of more than 30% in four years.

The closure of The Shed in Glasgow south side after 26 years may not have been entirely surprising but it is troubling. This isn’t just a loss for its regulars; it marks another blow to Scotland’s dwindling nightlife. This issue may seem insignificant to some but the sector makes a substantial contribution to our economy.

According to a study by The Moffat Centre, the night-time economy - defined as activities between 6pm and 6am - generates £2.16 billion annually for Glasgow, supports 16,600 full-time jobs, and accounts for 10% of the total business base in Glasgow and Dundee.

The Shed in Glasgow's south side has closed after 26 years (Image: NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP) Yet pubs in Scotland are closing at twice the rate of those in England, while clubs continue to shut their doors. The owners of The Shed highlighted the challenges facing the hospitality industry and the need for innovation so it’s time to examine the broader licensing framework.

The last major licensing development came in 2001 when the Nicolson committee was appointed to review all aspects of liquor licensing with ‘particular reference to the implications for health and public order’. This move was likely prompted by the sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland during the 1990s, which more than doubled between 1994 and 2000, reaching levels significantly higher than in the rest of the UK.

The Nicholson Committee formed the basis of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. It established a single licensing board for each council area, responsible for granting licenses and ensuring compliance. A significant change was the introduction of the ‘five licensing objectives’ aimed at preventing crime and........

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