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THE Scottish Government has come under fire from two of the country’s most respected legal minds over fresh plans to reform Scotland’s licensing laws. Ministers stunned the trade by launching a new consultation on alcohol licensing less than a week before Christmas. The proposals mark the third significant review of the licensing system since the 2005 Act came into effect in 2009. But, far from improving the system for operators, two leading licensing solicitors claim the proposals reflect almost exclusively the lobbying priorities of health groups, police and licensing boards.

HARVIESTOUN Brewery is to extend its range of craft beers and launch a new 33cl bottle size under a major expansion drive. The Alva-based brewery, which recently doubled the size of its warehouse and office space, was set to bottle the first batches of 4.2% ABV Bitter & Twisted and Schiehallion, which has an ABV of 4.8%, in 330ml format as SLTN went to press. The beers are already available in a 500ml bottle size and in cask and craft keg formats. Harviestoun MD Chris Miller told SLTN the new bottle size is being introduced with food-led pubs and specialist independent off-trade retailers in mind.

STRATHCLYDE Police is calling on operators and door stewards to be extra vigilant for vulnerable revellers leaving their premises this festive season. Speaking to SLTN last week, chief superintendent George Nedley urged staff working in bars and clubs to “consider their social responsibilities as well as those under the licensing Act”.

SHETLAND Islands Council has been accused of a conflict of interest over the decision to grant extended hours to the Mareel, the Lerwick-based arts centre. The islands’ area licensing board approved nine applications from the Mareel, operated by the Shetland Arts Trust, allowing it to be licensed to 2am and host club nights run by promoters such as Slam, the major dance music brand.

BUSINESSES engaged in all parts of the alcohol industry in Scotland are being targeted by HMRC as it continues its quest to retrieve millions of pounds of unpaid tax. The taxman confirmed last week that a new task force was now undertaking a fresh burst of activity to bring tax cheats in the trade to book.

Merged breweries confirm opening of first pub in Glasgow. The newly-merged Isle of Arran and Isle of Skye breweries have confirmed plans to open their first craft beer pub in Glasgow city centre. Arran Brewery plc – the new holding company for the two breweries – has acquired the leasehold of premises in a former bank on the corner of West Regent and Hope Streets

S&N name dropped as brewer relaunches leaseholder agreements. Heineken has become the latest major landlord to revamp its lease deals after announcing sweeping changes to its pubco division. The brewer today unveils a new name for its pub business, broadens its range of leases and builds what it says is greater flexibility into existing deals.

Tourism marketing body pledges to help industry find alternative option. VisitScotland has pledged to help hoteliers find alternative third party booking systems after confirming plans to scrap its own online reservations facility next month.

TV star Kate Thornton was in Glasgow last night to hand out the gongs at the 17th SLTN Awards, the recognition scheme hosted and organised by Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN). The celebrity presented awards to 23 of Scotland’s best pubs, clubs, restaurants, staff and operators before an audience of 700 at the five-star Hilton hotel. And Glasgow’s Stravaigin, the bar and restaurant on Gibson Street, was the star of the show, lifting no fewer than three of the prestigious prizes.

INVERARITY Morton is poised to dramatically broaden the choice of spirits it offers outlets around Scotland after swooping to acquire LA Wholesale. IM confirmed the deal to buy the specialist spirits wholesaler, a division of Scott Gemmell’s LA Group, for an undisclosed sum yesterday (October 31). With its strength traditionally lying in wine and mainstream beers and spirits, the move significantly boosts IM’s presence in the fast-growing premium end of the spirits market.