Assume that the Scottish Government has introduced the Alcohol Control (Scotland) Bill into the Scottish Parliament. Amongst other things, the Bill empowers local authorities: first, to raise a tax on the sale of alcohol in their local authority area; and, second, to make byelaws banning the sale of alcohol on Sundays and on Christian religious holidays (such as Easter and Christmas). The Bill proves highly controversial.
You are asked to do to following:
1. Advise the Parliament’s Presiding Officer as to whether he should certify that the Bill (in whole or in part) is within or outwith the Parliament’s legislative competence, and advise as to the implications of granting a negative or positive certificate