Pubs and food chains caught up in drinks law chaos

Major supermarket chains are among the thousands of premises caught up in the troubled birth of Scotland's new liquor laws, resulting in multi-national names effectively having to trade outside the law because of the failings of local authorities.

On the first day of the new alcohol legislation yesterday, it has also emerged that at least four areas are without a licensing standards officer (LSO), a requirement of the legislation.

Meanwhile, in towns across North Lanarkshire, pubs that were trading normally on Monday are now closed indefinitely. Signs are going up on about 25 bars in the area warning customers of the situation.

Yesterday, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) revealed that one major unnamed retailer had applied for more than 50 premises licences but received only six, all of which had to be returned because of errors.

Morrisons, while stating that it has had all of its premises' licences granted, said that many of these had not been issued.

Tesco, which sells around half of all the UK's alcohol, has refused to comment but industry sources reckon barely a quarter of the retail giant's 100-plus Scottish stores have been issued with a premises licence.

Asda also refused to comment on its situation but The Herald understands the company is being dogged by the issue of personal licences, some of which have been outstanding for more than a year.

First Quench, the parent company of Threshers, Haddows and Wine Rack, has applied for 189 premises licences but to date has received just 52.

One senior industry source said: "The government amnesty on personal licences hasn't been granted for premises licences. That means some big stores could have to close if LSOs visit and they can't produce a licence. It could cause chaos for some major players."