Contentious tax should not have been swept through
An apparent disregard of the views of those in the industry – and the use of the tourist tax as some sort of political bargaining chip – has further riled operators and trade groups
Lidl case underlines importance of due diligence
A COURT of Session judgement that Glasgow licensing board was wrong to suspend a Lidl store’s licence after one failed test purchase was the...
Rates reprieve is welcome but it’s reform that is required
Comment by Gillian McKenzie
THE sighs of relief across the Scottish trade were virtually audible.
Finance minister Derek Mackay’s announcement – less than six weeks before...
Committee listens to Bill concerns
It remains to be seen if issues around overprovision, clubs and transfers are addressed, writes licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan
THE Local Government and Regeneration Committee...
Music to the trade’s ears but more must be done
NEWS that the Scottish Government plans to implement the ‘agent of change’ principle in the planning system has rightly been welcomed by operators
Local powers could help ease trade’s rates burden
Comment by Gillian McKenzie
Business rates are the bugbear of many operators in the Scottish on-trade.
From the way in which they are calculated – with...
Make PLH renewal a top priority
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect vast numbers of personal licence renewals to have been lodged .
Scotland’s trade stars shine bright
By Gillian McKenzie
PUB closures have been a hot topic for the mainstream media for some time now.
Everything from the smoking ban to cheaper alcohol...
Further sting in business rates tail
Comment by Gillian McKenzie
FOR the operators facing astronomical increases in rateable values, the 12-month 12.5% cap on business rates rises looked to offer some...
Further twist in the beer tie debate
By Gillian McKenzie
ITS removal has been the end-goal for pubco reform campaigners for many years.
Pub companies, on the other hand, say scrapping it will...
Columns
Luke Richardson
William Woodburn
