Calls to reject licence fee proposals

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has called on members of the Scottish Parliament to reject proposals that would see licence fees double in the next 18 months.

The changes to licensing charges, revealed last week, will cost the 20,000 licensed premises in Scotland an additional £10m over the next eighteen months if introduced, according to the association.

MSP’s have been asked to reject the proposals unless full justification is provided that the price hike is appropriate and required.

The revised fees will be debated as The Licensing (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 between now and 1 February.

In an open letter to the Scottish Parliament the BBPA argues that increasing fees will “risk putting out of business many of Scotland’s vulnerable pubs, hotels and restaurants, and other licensed premises, especially those in rural and suburban areas”.

It goes on to say: “Our industry isn’t asking for a handout, special treatment, or a government subsidy in offsetting the costs of licensing reform. All we ask is that the licensing fees are not set at excessive levels, which haven’t been justified.”

In September the SBPA wrote an open letter to MSP’s calling for a reduction in licence fees citing flaws in the consultation process.

For more on licensing laws see our news round-up here.

Scottish licences to double in 18 months >>

Independent report recommends 7% rise in licensing fees >>

Scottish publicans slam licence price rise plans >>

By Christopher Walton

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