How are bars and nightclubs in Scotland using extensions in late-night alcohol trading hours? Venue observation study

Citation

Emslie C, Maxwell K, O’Donnell R, Mitchell G, Cook M, Uny I, Nicholls J, Lewsey J, McIntosh E, Angus C, Mohan A & Fitzgerald N (2026) How are bars and nightclubs in Scotland using extensions in late-night alcohol trading hours? Venue observation study. International Journal of Drug Policy, 151, Art. No.: 105210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105210

Abstract
Introduction Late-night alcohol trading hours are generally associated with increased alcohol-related harm. Since 2018, two Scottish cities have allowed extensions in late-night alcohol trading hours with the aim of revitalising the night-time economy. This is the first study to directly observe whether and how bars and nightclubs use these extensions, and collect rich qualitative data about venue environment and staff behaviour. Methods Trained, paired fieldworkers, behaving as customers, completed semi-structured observation schedules on mobile devices during repeated visits to 15 purposively sampled venues in 2023–24 (5 venues in Glasgow and 10 in Aberdeen: total of 313 h of observation). In-depth qualitative fieldnotes were completed within 48 h of visits. Results Half of the venues closed early on at least one fieldworker visit without using all of their later trading hours. Venues using their extended hours were observed to be at low occupancy on at least one visit. Fieldworkers observed bar staff serving alcohol to intoxicated customers in every venue. In half of the venues, ‘shot girls’ were observed persistently approaching customers, including those who appeared intoxicated. Conclusions Extensions in late-night alcohol trading hours granted in two Scottish cities were not used consistently by venues due to lack of demand by customers. The late-night sale of alcohol to intoxicated customers was routine. Our findings challenge the assumption that later trading hours benefit the night-time economy and highlight the likelihood of associated alcohol-related harms.

Keywords
Public health; Observation; Alcohol availability; Opening hours; On-Sales; Bars; Nightclubs

Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy: Volume 151

• Published Version