Scottish clubs to be allowed to undercut pubs
Thousands of private members' clubs across Scotland could be allowed to open their doors to the public - raising fears for the future of pubs.
The Scottish Executive is proposing to allow the nation's 2000 registered clubs 56 occasions each year when they can abandon their members-only rules and serve cut-price alcohol to the general public.
The move is being seen as a lifeline to struggling clubs but could spell doom for many pubs. This could drive rural pubs and hotels out of businessJanet Hood, of the BII.
Some claim it could be a vote-winner for Labour as working men's clubs are traditionally seen as Labour supporters.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association claims it only became aware of the plans this week.
Chief executive Paul Waterson, told the Glasgow Herald: "This has caused consternation in the ranks and we only found out about it by pure accident. Clubs don't have the same restrictions as us. Staff don't require training, no manager is required, and they can sell at a lot cheaper."
Janet Hood, of the BII, said: "This could drive rural pubs and hotels out of business."
Patrick Browne, of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said it would create an "uneven playing field".
Since 1903, registered clubs have been unable to sell alcohol to the public but they can to their own members.
Under the new licensing laws in Scotland clubs will operate under the same licensing system as pubs - unlike in England and Wales.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said: "The purpose is to allow registered clubs increased flexibility to host occasional licences for special events and festivals up to a maximum of 14 (consecutive) days, such as a working man's club being granted an occasional licence to allow it to open up to the community for a gala event.
"It is in no way intended to increase competition to existing licensed trade.
"We have consulted and engaged fully with stakeholders across the licensed trade."
