A total of 83 pubs have closed in Scotland in the past six months, at the same time as landlords began the process of transition to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, it was revealed today.

According to figures compiled by CGA Strategy on behalf of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) 19 pubs in rural areas; 31 in suburban areas; and 33 in urban areas all closed their doors.

The closures are equivalent to one in every 69 pubs north of the border and one in every 47 pubs in urban areas of Scotland. There are 5,200 pubs in Scotland.

SBPA chief executive Patrick Browne said: “These figures should cause concern to policy makers in Scotland given that a large number of pub operators don't even appear to want to go through the process of licensing transition which only formally commenced on 7 March with the first deadline for submission in new premises licence applications in Scotland.”

He added that Scottish politicians should realise the impact of the legislative burden put on pubs before more were forced to close their door and cease trading.

Meanwhile Ken McGown, Scottish regional director of Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises has become vice-president of the SBPA.

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By Christopher Walton

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