A warning has been issued to alcohol traders to renew their personal licences before time runs out.
Less than 60 out of over 400 personal license holders in West Dunbartonshire have applied for a renewal despite the deadline fast approaching.
The first personal licences - allowing an individual to sell alcohol from a licensed premises - were issued in September 2009 and last for 10 years.
Some 419 were issued in West Dunbartonshire yet only 56 have been renewed with the deadline of May 31 fast approaching.
The council’s licensing standards officer, Peter Clyde told the licensing board last week: “To date we have had 56 applications received which is a pretty low number. We have been trying to promote this to traders.
Dumbarton photographer reinvents the town's landscape
“I have been stressing this fact at Pubwatch meetings and we have used the council’s Facebook page. We would encourage traders to take action now.”
The board’s chair, Paul Smith branded the number who have applied already “shocking” and added: “Traders cannot for one minute plea that they were not aware of this.
“It’s all over news and social media. It’s clear from the steps we are taking here that we are going above and beyond to help.
“A considerable amount will have left the industry since they were granted them 10 years ago. That said, there’s going to be a lot up in the air and we will see how that unfolds.”
In order to renew a licence, traders must also pass a Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders refresher training.
More information is on the council’s website.
