Moray Council fee reminder to pubs
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Moray Council has begun issuing its annual fee reminder for licensed premises which is due on October 1.
The local authority says that, given the difficult operating conditions, it is keen to give pubs and restaurants as much notice as possible.
It adds that payment of the annual fee is a legal requirement and not something the council can choose to waive.
Gordon Cowie (Independent/Buckie) chairs the council’s licensing board.
He said: "We recognise this has been a difficult time for licensed premises and enquiries have been made to the Scottish Government as to whether the law would be changed for annual fees.
"But, to date, there has been no change.
"That means we’re legally obliged to request these fees, which covers the cost to the council of providing the licensing function.
"Our message in advance of invoices being issued is to say please work with us as we do understand the difficulties the industry is facing, but we also need to continue to meet our legal obligations.
"Delayed payment of fees will cause additional administration for licensing staff and that will hamper our ability to return to the normal processing of applications."
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