Pragmatism rules: state of play on issue of new alcohol licences in Argyll

Last weekend’s papers were full of alarmist stories about the nation’s pubs and off-licences being shorn of alcohol licences as struggling local authorities slowly sank under the burden of administration.

There are highly populated urban areas where this may be the case but across Scotland pragmatism has ruled – with the collaboration of the Police.

The vast majority of licensed premises have operated as such for a considerable time and so they were simply left to operate pending the issue of the new licences. This is a common-sense approach which has avoided any problems with pubs closed and  losing business and communities left with nowhere to meet.

The position in Argyll and Bute is that the majority of the personal licences applied for have been issued and staff are in the process of issuing the licences for premises.  The Council hopes to have all liquor licenses out by the end of next week.

No premises in Argyll and Bute have shut because of the situation. The vast majority of premises waiting for their paperwork have operated as licensed premises for some time, and the police are aware that the licences are in the process of being issued.

The Council obviously regret the delay and will continue to work towards issuing the remaining licenses as quickly as possible. The key thing is that there is no disruption to normal service.