Longer Pub Hours Increase Crime and Ambulance Call-Outs in Aberdeen
Research has found that extending opening hours for pubs in Aberdeen resulted in a rise in crime and alcohol-related ambulance call-outs. Between March 2017 and October 2020, 38 bars in Aberdeen were permitted to sell alcohol until 03:00, leading to an 11.4% increase in ambulance calls on weekend nights.
During the same period, the University of Glasgow research team observed an 8.5% increase in reported crimes. These findings have come to light as Aberdeen and other Scottish cities have been granted extended pub opening hours during the World Cup in June.
The University of Glasgow stated that the data demonstrates a connection between additional opening hours and "negative outcomes." Aberdeen City Council responded to BBC Scotland News by affirming that it has "robust" arrangements in place to maintain a safe night-time economy.
Study Details and Findings
The research, published in BMJ Public Health, evaluated the impact of changes to licensed hours for bars and clubs in Aberdeen and Glasgow. In Glasgow, where 10 nightclubs were allowed to extend their hours by one hour until 04:00 in 2019, the study found "no material impacts." However, the researchers noted that a broader study indicated that frontline services experienced increased strain.
In contrast, the late-night extensions of between one and three hours granted to 38 pubs in Aberdeen significantly affected ambulance call-outs and crime rates. The differing results between the two cities may be attributed to the larger number of venues involved in Aberdeen, the longer extension of hours, and the types of premises affected.
In Glasgow, only nightclubs implementing specific safety measures were eligible for the extra hour extension.
The research also revealed that peak times for alcohol-related ambulance call-outs in Aberdeen shifted later, moving from between midnight and 1:00 AM to between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM. Ambulance call-outs were notably higher among men and individuals under 45 years old.
"This is consistent with prior research showing that younger individuals, particularly men, are more likely to engage in risky drinking behaviours and are more at risk of alcohol-related ambulance call-outs," the report noted.
Expert Commentary
Dr Md Nurnabi Sheikh, research associate at the University of Glasgow's School of Health and Wellbeing, stated:
"Our findings in Aberdeen demonstrate a clear link between additional opening hours and increased negative outcomes. The significant negative impact on both alcohol-related ambulance call-outs and reported crimes in Aberdeen - where more pub and bar premises had longer extensions - highlights the need to consider both the number and types of venues that can operate extended opening times."
The research was part of a larger study led by the University of Stirling, which also involved Glasgow Caledonian University, the universities of Manchester and Sheffield, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Professor Niamh Fitzgerald of the University of Stirling, principal investigator of the wider study, commented:
"Our study shows that local authorities need greater powers to control the number and type of venues that are allowed to open later at night because large-scale extensions will result in increased health harms and crimes. Whilst this part of the research didn't find measurable impacts in Glasgow, local stakeholders there reported in interviews that the 04:00 extension in just 10 nightclubs put frontline services under severe strain."
Local Authorities and Policing Response
Aberdeen City Council emphasized its close collaboration with Police Scotland, licensed premises, and other business partners. A spokesperson said:
"As with any period of increased footfall and extended opening including major events, partners review arrangements and put proportionate measures in place. Licensing applications are considered through the established process, including consultation with relevant partners."
Police Scotland confirmed that an appropriate policing plan would be implemented during any World Cup-related extensions across Scotland.
The Scottish government noted that decisions on licensing hours rest with local licensing boards and has published guidance regarding the World Cup for licensing boards earlier this year.
