Tank set to run dry for city petrol stations' booze sales

Published on Thursday 31 July 2008 10:48

PETROL stations across the city are set to lose the right to sell alcohol because of a new council policy.

At a licensing meeting this week, two BP garages – both of which sell alcohol under a section run by Marks & Spencer – had their right to sell drink removed.

Councillors say the decision was not because of any concerns about the business but because of new Scottish Government legislation which will not come into force until September next year.

It states that councils are allowed to deny petrol stations and garage forecourts the right sell alcohol unless there is a specific need for it, for instance if it is in a remote location.

The two petrol stations – at Slateford Road and Builyeon Road, South Queensferry – will now have to stop selling alcohol unless the decision is appealed, even though the sales of drink in both are strong.

A council source told the Evening News: "The policy is plainly there to be used and the M&S lawyers weren't very happy about it, but if policy isn't used then there's no point in it being made in the first place.

"The act states quite clearly that they should only sell alcohol if there is a specific need for it."

Another council insider added: "It's fair to say that the licensing board will continue to follow the letter of the act in this manner."

This has led to fears petrol stations across the city will be forced to relinquish their licences.

Licensing leader Councillor Marjorie Thomas said: "The board was unanimous in its decision to refuse these licences as it was clear that garages should be excluded from selling alcohol unless they are the only amenity in an area. This was clearly not so in these cases."

The approach has not gone down well with the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, which warned this could be the last straw for petrol stations.

Spokesman Graham Bell said: "Delivering fuel from the pump to someone's tank is not profitable any more for petrol stations, and in order to survive they have to become like a supermarket, using fuel as the draw to other items, and alcohol sales make up a big part of that.

"If that is taken away we could see more having to close."

Almond councillor Norman Work, who also sits on the licensing board, said he did not think it would be long before all petrol stations would be banned from selling alcohol.

"I've always wondered why garages have sold alcohol anyway," said the SNP councillor. "I think the idea is a bit like promoting drink driving."

Both BP and Marks and Spencer declined to comment.

www.edinburgh.gov.uk

www.bp.com

www.marksandspencer.com

www.edinburghchamber.co.uk