Pubs in dock over late fees

Angus pubs and restaurants are to be hauled before licensing chiefs to explain a six-month delay in serving up their annual fees.

A string of “usual suspects” across the district came under fire at the meeting of the area’s licensing board for fees which remain unpaid since October.

The authority has now agreed to press the Scottish Government for powers to apply an excess penalty charge to premises which don’t pay up in time. Annual fees – usually around £250-300 for a pub or restaurant – are due in October.

Licensing officer Daniel Coleman said premises receive reminders in September, then November and February in the case of late payers.

“There have been at least four pieces of contact,” he told the committee. The board was presented with a list of 14 Angus establishments which have not paid fees totalling more than £5,000. But members heard a few had paid up since the committee report was prepared.

Arbroath West and Letham councillor Richard Moore said: “It seems to me that it is the same names each year.

“We should move to a hearing on the premises which have fees still outstanding. We have got to look at who is repeatedly being later with payment.

“If this income doesn’t come in till half way through the year, it’s not fair on our licensing staff who are trying to sort everything out.”

Carnoustie Independent Brian Boyd said: “This is costing the council a lot of money to keep on chasing up the usual suspects. Is there any way we could look at a penalty for not paying on time?”

Councillors were told the current rules do not allow the authority to apply a penalty charge for later payers.

Officials will now write to the Scottish Government asking for penalty powers to be considered.

A review hearing was also scheduled for late April when all of the non-paying premises will be called before the board.

Angus councillors have also agreed a tightening up of the rules after a pandemic year which saw some premises apply for 20 or more occasional licences.

CALLING TIME: Angus councillors Brian Boyd, left, and Richard Moore.