LICENSING Standards Officers (LSOs) are to be handed a raft of additional powers later this year.
From June 29, LSOs – who currently hold powers of entry and inspection – will have the authority to take copies of any document found on the premises and seize and remove any substances, articles or documents found on the premises.
The Order granting these new powers – the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (Commencement No.15 and Saving Provision) and the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 (Commencement No.8) Order 2018 – was laid before the Scottish Parliament on March 23.
However, licensing lawyer Jack Cummins told SLTN he “would be surprised – and disappointed – if they were exercised other than in exceptional circumstances”.
