Scotland's licensing boards have been urged to use new legislation to crack down on underage and antisocial drinking.
Kenny MacAskill, the Justice Minister, made the appeal during his first meeting with licensing board conveners since taking office in May.
Senior police officers from the Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders and Fife forces also attended the meeting in Edinburgh, which was called to discuss the enforcement of current laws on the sale of alcohol as well as the incoming legislation, the Licensing Scotland Act.
However, the absence of the convener of Scotland's largest licensing board, Councillor James McNally of Glasgow, who failed to show up because it was a public holiday in the city, raised eyebrows.
The Labour councillor has crossed swords with the Scottish Government several times on its failure to provide "crucial information" on the licensing reform and the rejection of his request for a meeting with Mr MacAskill.
The new legislation represents the most sweeping overhaul of the licensing system since the 1970s, and provisions include a ban on irresponsible promotions.
Mr MacAskill said he called the meeting to get the views of board conveners on how local authorities were shaping up for the new act. During the discussions the minister repeated his controversial proposal for a polluter pays' approach to dealing with the costs of alcohol misuse.
Describing licensing boards as being "at the sharp end of the act", he said it was "up to them to take action against premises fuelling underage and anti-social drinking".
Afterwards Mr MacAskill described the meeting as "very useful with a constructive exchange of ideas".
The Herald understands Mr McNally signalled his intention not to attend last week because of the Glasgow September weekend holiday and sent his apologies.
A Holyrood source said: "It was a bit unusual for Councillor McNally not to attend, after all he's been very vocal about the government."
Mr McNally was not available for comment last night.
Councillor Marjorie Thomas, convener of the Edinburgh licensing board, said the meeting was "worthwhile", adding: "I was particularly keen on discussing what can be done to improve understanding of alcohol units to encourage responsible drinking."
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