Section 195 - Liability for offences
776.Subsection (2) repeals the word “knowingly” from certain offences in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Where criminal conduct has been allowed to take place in terms of the listed offences, an offence will be committed whether or not the person involved has knowledge of the conduct taking place.
777.Subsection (3) inserts new sections 141A and 141B into the 2005 Act. New section 141A provides a defence to certain offences where the person accused had no knowledge that the offence was being committed and exercised all due diligence to prevent the offence being committed.
778.New section 141B provides that if a person commits certain offences whilst acting as the employee or agent of a premises licence holder or an interested party. The premises licence holder or, if applicable, that interested party is also guilty of that offence.
779.A defence of due diligence is available to the premises licence holder and interested party. Proceedings may be taken against the premises licence holder or interested party even if they are not taken against the employee or agent.