THE number of premises licensed to sell booze in the region decreased by 15 in the space of a year, statistics show.

The Scottish Borders Licensing Report for 2022-2023 has just been published.

It considers the impact the sale and consumption of alcohol has had on crime statistics over the period.

The report states that the number of outlets licensed to sell alcohol – both off-sales and on-sales premises – at the year end was 436, a reduction of 15 on the previous year.

There were 206 recorded incidents in licensed premises between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023 – this figure represents a decrease from the previous year of 13 per cent.

There were 46 applications made for the granting or renewal of personal licences during this reporting year in the Borders.

This is a significant decrease on the previous year from 131 applications, equating to a 64 per cent decrease.

There were also four crimes of drugging recorded in the region during 2022/23 which occurred in licensed premises and involved alcohol.

A total of 47 crimes of violence were reported for licensed premises within the period, compared to 35 reports in 2020-21.

It was also noted that 17 crimes were committed within supermarkets licensed to sell alcohol with one such crime having an alcohol marker.

The report states: “There is an additional demand on police resourcing in the Scottish Borders area, especially during the summer months due to the Common Ridings and Rugby 7s tournaments.

“There are currently two active premises trading until 3am and one premise trading until 2am at the weekends, with annual occasional extensions for some Common Riding town balls extending their usual business hours.”

The areas shown as highest for violent crimes with an alcohol element are the main populated towns of Galashiels and Hawick, followed by Peebles and Kelso.

All other areas had fewer than 10 alcohol-related violent crimes recorded throughout the period.

The report adds: “Police Scotland can make a positive impact on the future outcomes for children and families, by addressing the sale and supply of alcohol to young persons and working with our partners, taking the appropriate action to address both the potential and actual misuse of alcohol within the early years.

“Officers continue to routinely and proactively visit premises licensed for ‘off-sales’ to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities under the 2005 Act, and in particular in the run up to and during school holidays or local events.

“Likewise, officers will continue to routinely and proactively visit premises licensed for ‘on-sales’ to ensure that management have taken all appropriate measures to prevent the sale or supply of alcohol to young people under age.

“There are four dedicated youth community officers and two youth engagement officers based in the Scottish Borders and they are seen as one of the main links between police and children and young persons in the area.”