Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913

Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913

The Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913 was a significant piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament with the aim of controlling and reducing the consumption of alcohol in Scotland. The Act was a response to the widespread social and health problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption, which were particularly prevalent in Scotland during the early 20th century.

Background[edit | edit source]

The Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913 was enacted during a period of growing concern about the negative effects of alcohol on society. The temperance movement, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption, had gained significant traction in Scotland and other parts of the UK. The Act was seen as a legislative victory for the movement.

Provisions of the Act[edit | edit source]

The Act provided for local control over the licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol. It allowed for local referendums to be held in which residents could vote on whether to allow the sale of alcohol in their area. These areas were known as "no-license" areas if the majority voted against the sale of alcohol.

The Act also introduced stricter regulations for the sale of alcohol, including restrictions on the hours during which alcohol could be sold and the age of persons to whom alcohol could be sold.

Impact and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Temperance (Scotland) Act 1913 had a significant impact on alcohol consumption in Scotland. It led to a reduction in the number of licensed premises and a decrease in alcohol consumption. However, the Act was not without its critics, who argued that it did not go far enough in addressing the root causes of alcohol abuse.

The Act is seen as a precursor to later alcohol control policies in Scotland, including the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which further tightened regulations on the sale of alcohol.