The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has called on all Scottish Licensing Boards to set only “fully justifiable” licensing fees under the terms of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.

This morning the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee agreed to defer final consideration of the Regulation until a meeting next week.

If the Committee rejects the proposals a motion to annul the proposals will be put forward to the Scottish Parliament.

The SBPA has consistently fought the proposals, claiming in September that the cost of appeals – the primary reason for the rise in license prices - had been over-estimated using “questionable research”.

SBPA Chief Executive Patrick Browne, said: “We will continue to try and have the Scottish Parliament secure safeguards in relation to the Fees Regulation currently being considered by it before passing the Regulation which could double the costs of licensing transition for the industry in Scotland to £20 million over the next eighteen months.”

An open letter has been sent by the SBPA to all licensing boards today asking for set fee levels “which are appropriate and fully justifiable”.

From the 1 February the cost of a premises licence for the smallest Scottish pub is set to increase to £400.

Scottish publicans slam licence price rise plans >>

Scottish publicans slam licence price rise plans >>

Caterer Licensing laws change round-up >>

by Christopher Walton

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