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17th June 2008
Hidden Cost of Licensing Law
North East MSP Alex Johnstone is urging
licensing boards to exercise leniency after he was contacted
by several licensees regarding the costs to small businesses
of compliance with the new Licensing Act.
One aspect of the new act states that
premises must submit an 'operating plan' of the business to
the local licensing board, but several businesses are having
difficulty getting architects to assist them, as well as
finding the cost prohibitive.
Mr Johnstone said "The licensed trade
certainly does not have its troubles to seek at the moment.
The Security Industry Authority are months behind in sending
out badges to qualified door supervisors. The new licensing
act means the introduction of premises licenses and personal
licenses, with all the costs associated with these, and
those that employ door supervisors are also paying a premium
for qualified staff who seem to be in short supply."
"I understand that some licensees are
finding it difficult to secure the services of an architect
because of the volume of work the new act has brought with
it. I believe some architects are also a little surprised
at the level of detail that can be required. Obviously, the
bigger and more complex the premises are, the higher the
cost to licensees will be and some licensees who were
expecting bills for hundreds of pounds are now being served
with bills for thousands of pounds instead."
"The worst aspect of this is that
proportionally, it is the small, independently run premises
that will be hit the hardest. No-one argues against the
fact that Scotland's relationship with drink is a complex
one, but continuously piling on legislation is not the
answer."
Mr Johnstone concluded "I would urge
licensing boards throughout the north east to show some
understanding towards licensees as they seek to comply with
the new legislation."
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