17.This section imposes a requirement on the Scottish Ministers to prepare a report on the impact of the minimum pricing provisions. This report is to be prepared as soon as practicable after the minimum pricing provisions have been fully in force for 5 years. The report must be laid before the Scottish Parliament and then published as soon as practicable. In considering the impact of the minimum pricing provisions, the report must include information as to their effect on:
the licensing objectives as set out in section 4 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005:
preventing crime and disorder,
securing public safety,
preventing public nuisance,
protecting and improving public health, and
protecting children from harm;
specific groups of people selected by the Scottish Ministers;
holders of premises licences;
producers of alcohol.
18.The Scottish Ministers may refer to a list of characteristics when determining which specific groups should be focused on in the report. The list, as follows, is not exhaustive
age;
gender;
social and economic deprivation; and
alcohol consumption.
19.In preparing the report, the Scottish Ministers must consult persons with functions relating to:
health;
prevention of crime;
education;
social work;
children and young people.
20.The Scottish Ministers must also consult:
persons representative of the interests of the interests of holders of premises licences granted under the 2005 Act;
persons representative of the interests of producers of alcohol.
21.In addition, the Scottish Ministers may consult any other persons they consider appropriate.