Edinburgh businesses owe thousands in unpaid licensing fees
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 23:50 · Archive
Over 260 Edinburgh premises have outstanding annual alcohol licensing fees totalling at least £151,880.
Over 260 Edinburgh premises have outstanding annual alcohol licensing fees for 2026/27, with the total cost likely to be at least £151,880. Reports ahead of the Licensing Board's October 26 meeting initially showed 305 premises with unpaid fees, falling to 262 by the time of the meeting.
Convener Louise Young (Liberal Democrat) said the number was 'depressing', particularly as businesses enter the festive period. She stated: 'No fees should ever be late. This is a fundamental part of the process for places that want to sell alcohol.' Young noted that licence fees represent only 'a small part of total overheads' for businesses.
The Licensing Board has previously taken strict action on unpaid fees. Over 70 businesses were suspended during the festive period last year, according to Young, who warned of 'serious consequences' for non-payment. Councillor Cammy Day questioned whether premises trading with overdue fees were operating illegally and whether the Board could automatically suspend them. An officer clarified that the licence fee is one of several mandatory conditions attached to holding a licence.
How it is being reported
- Edinburgh councillors warn of ‘serious consequences’ as tens of thousands in licensing fees go unpaidCouncillor Louise Young said it was “depressing” so many businesses were entering the festive period with unpaid feesEdinburgh Evening News · 27 Oct, 18:13
- Edinburgh councillors criticise hundreds of licence holders with outstanding feesConvener Louise Young (Lib Dem) said: "No fees should ever be late. This is a fundamental part of the process for places that want to sell alcohol."Edinburgh Live · 27 Oct, 16:48
In this story: Edinburgh · Louise Young · Cammy Day · Edinburgh Licensing Board
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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