Plans to stop issuing new liquor licences in Scotland should be ditched, according to the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA).

Chief executive Patrick Browne made the call after Scottish Executive figures released today showed an overall fall in the number of alcohol licences in 2005 – down by 89 to 17,187.

The statistics show a drop across hotels, pubs and entertainment venues, while the number of licences at restaurant, retail and refreshment sites rose marginally.

Browne said: “One thing I hope these figures do is end the naïve debate about the need for a legislatively imposed moratorium on the issuing of new licences. Licensing boards already have the power to block a new licensed premise if they feel there are too many in an area.”

See full figures here >> 

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By Tom Bill

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