88% of Scottish businesses had liquor licence extensions granted

The majority of pubs and hotels in Scotland were granted extensions to their licences last year, official figures have shown.

The Scottish Executive's office of national statistics revealed 88% of licensed operators had applied successfully.

The figures were released in the week the Scottish justice secretary announced proposals to charge licensees fees for being allowed to open beyond normal hours.

Kenny MacAskill suggested the additional charges on late-opening bars and clubs, intended to help pay for additional policing in areas where late drinking causes anti-social behaviour.

The proposals drew the scorn of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, which told Caterer they had already been suggested and rejected during discussions around the Scottish Licensing Act.

The new figures also revealed that there were 710 new applications for liquor licences in Scotland in 2006, with 94% granted.

When applications were not granted, the most frequently cited reason was over-provision.

Statistics on liquor licences are collected from local authority licensing boards.

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By Daniel Thomas

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