Trade chiefs call for return of police powers

Trade chiefs are urging Scotland's justice minister Kenny MacAskill to swiftly close a Licensing Act loophole which stops chief constables objecting to criminals seeking a licence.

The Publican understands the minister is keen to overturn a controversial section of the 2005 Act which strips police of former powers.

But trade associations have told MacAskill to act quickly as new licences are currently being granted.

The new system allows anybody to object to a criminal gaining a licence except the police, who are limited to objecting when there are links with "serious or organised crime".

Police can also provide boards with details of relevant convictions, but not about concerns they may have about people involved in cases which have yet to go to court.

Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson said: "It is unrealistic to expect the police to operate in a straitjacket, where crime and criminal activity is concerned.

"We have pressed for this from the start, as the new system - while including various checks and balances - doesn't have the same force as the former 'fit and proper' test."

Janet Hood, head of BII Scotland, said: "This is good news, and should be introduced quickly.

"The 'fit and proper' test is a better way of approaching suitability than the new system, and also it's clearly in everybody's interests for boards to gain suitable information from the police."

A government spokeswoman said MacAskill was keen to make the change following continuing concerns from police officers at all levels but that there was no exact time frame.