E-Malt.com News article: UK: Pubs could shut if licence laws change, warn pub bosses

Pub bosses have warned that the price of a pint will rise by 2p if MSPs approve controversial changes to licensing laws, Daily Record reported January 22.

They made a last ditch plea yesterday for MSPs to reject plans for a 40-fold increase in the cost of liquor licences.

Holyrood's justice committee are due to vote on the hike today.

But the licensed trade warned it would put struggling pubs out of business, while the rest would pass on the costs to drinkers.

Yesterday, they published a survey showing 13 out 15 licensing boards plan to charge the maximum allowed for liquor licences under the proposed new rules.

A three-year licence currently costs £86. But under the new plans, bigger pubs and stores would pay up to £3800 over the next three years. Corner shops and small pubs face fees of £1240.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: "If this goes ahead, the smaller, marginal businesses will consider very seriously if they want to go on.

"They have taken a hit from the smoking ban and I think some will look to leave the industry.

"Elsewhere, the cost will be passed to the consumer. A couple of pence on a pint is realistic."

The justice committee were expected to approve the new scale of charges last week.

But they postponed their decision and ordered justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, who is proposing the hike, to appear before them today.

Sweeping changes to the law governing pubs, clubs and offlicences are due to be phased in by April next year.

As well as the new fees landlords will have to reapply for their licences and ensure that they provide a higher standard of training for their staff.


23 January, 2008