LIQUOR LICENSING

Scotland is currently undergoing radical changes in respect of Liquor Licensing Law and now Licence Holders are more regulated than before.  BMK Wilson has substantial experience in liquor licensing currently handling over three hundred new Premises Applications under the new licensing regime both for on-sales and off-sales clients and dealing with every Licensing Board in Scotland.  These Applications are in respect of “grandfather rights” Applications, variations of Licences and new Applications under the new regime.  Our Licensing Department is principally based in our Dunblane Office headed up by Partner Anne Blackstock and assisted by experienced para-legal Debbie Campbell. The Firm's experience extends to defence in criminal prosecutions in respect of sales to “under-agers”.  The contact for that is Stuart Fraser based at our Glasgow Office.  Stuart has successfully defended such prosecutions throughout Scotland.  The Firm anticipate that there will be a great deal more such prosecutions under the new regime and many more Licensing Board Hearings as a result of the public having more opportunity to lodge objections.  The Firm has the relevant experience to advise clients on their duties and obligations under the new legislation and how clients may demonstrate to the Licensing Board that they can achieve the five new licensing objections.