27/07/2009 - Licence delay will aid businesses
Delaying a planned shake-up to licensing laws in Scotland is a "common sense approach" to the issue, according to justice secretary Kenny MacAskill.
The reforms would see all premises selling drink required to designate a manager with a personal licence to sell alcohol.
A postponement of the new rules now means that those who have not yet received their licence will be able to continue selling drink after September 1 if they applied by the end of August.
Mr MacAskill said: "There is evidence from the trade that the issue of personal licences was becoming a concern and could cause problems for licensed premises.
"That's why I've taken the decision to lay further regulations to give some leeway and allow managers who've applied by the end of August to continue selling alcohol if they've not received their licence by the first of September.
"This is a common sense approach to introduce a little flexibility and prevent a problem arising," he added.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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