Government proposals could see return of ‘fit and proper person’ test for would-be licensees

A NEW bill could see the reintroduction of the ‘fit and proper person’ test, meaning licensees would have to show they were suitable to sell alcohol.

If passed the proposals from the Scottish Government could see a move back toward the test first introduced in the 1976 Licensing Act.

And the new proposals would give licensing boards across Scotland the ability to consider an individual’s ‘suitability’ to sell alcohol and run licensed premises.

The new Licensing Bill was announced by the Government at the start of September and is designed to give local authorities more power over the licensing of several areas of business.

The Government are, however, keen to stress the new powers are not a straight reproduction of the earlier test.

The Scottish Government said they wanted to widen the issues licensing boards could discuss and determine, including whether a person is suitable to sell alcohol or run licensed premises.

Category: Bar & Pub, News