UKHospitality has called on the Scottish Government to scrap the requirement for renewing personal licences, bringing the process in line with England and Wales. 

The trade association has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation, highlighting successful deregulation in England and Wales and calling for the removal of a considerable administrative burden for both businesses and local authorities.

UKHospitality’s Executive Director in Scotland Willie Macleod said: “Removing the requirement for a renewal process in England and Wales has eliminated a significant administrative burden that wastes valuable time for both licence holders and councils. The deregulation has been effective in England and Wales without any adverse consequences.

“We are urging the Scottish Government to do the same. The current requirement for personal licence holders to renew is a cost burden that businesses can do without and an administrative hassle for licensing boards.”