INTRODUCTION: Between 2017 and 2019, different policy processes in two large Scottish cities led to local authorities granting licences for later on-premises alcohol trading hours. As a part of a wider mixed methods study, we examine news media reporting of these licencing changes to understand the content and progression of arguments at the time they were being discussed through to, and after, implementation.

METHODS: Forty-four news articles were identified through online searches (published 01/01/2015-01/01/2023) supplemented with hand searches of local publications. A qualitative thematic analysis was then conducted using NVivo.

RESULTS: Trade and local government actors were foregrounded in the media. Sectors within the alcohol retail trade responded differently, depending on their business interests. In Aberdeen, stakeholders stated that the changes were primarily intended to support businesses and in response to consumer trends. In Glasgow, stakeholders stated that the changes were needed to boost the economy and compete with other European cities. A diverse range of stakeholders framed their arguments in health terms, expressing concerns that increased hours would lead to increased consumption and harm.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

In media reports of extended late-night trading hours, stakeholders who were both for and against the changes put forward arguments about business and health impacts. There appeared to be little consensus about the value of extended trading hours amongst trade stakeholders who responded in line with their specific business interests, sometimes drawing on health arguments to do so. This counters the assumption of unity in trade views on liberalisation of opening hours.