And Falkirk's first citizen warned the social fabric of some communities was going to change as the new provisions take affect.
He was speaking as Falkirk Council Licensing Board and the newly-established Falkirk Local Licensing Forum met togeth
er for the first time on Monday.
Price-cutting supermarkets and the high cost of applying for new alcohol licences – which come into effect on September 1 next year – are being blamed for putting many of the area's public houses at risk.
The board and forum members heard an average of five British pubs close every day.
Provost Pat Reid said: "There is a danger to the very social fabric of some of our communities. The banks and the post offices have certainly gone and it looks like many pubs might be going the same way."
Forum member Paul Smith, director of City nightclub owners Castle Leisure, said: "There will be a number of pubs closing throughout Scotland and Britain – it's a very regrettable situation."
Robert Watson, Falkirk Council licensing co-ordinator said, under the new legislation, the cost of applications had gone up significantly – a minimum of £880, rising to £2000 depending on the size of the premises.
Mr Smith said this could go as high as £7000 after fees for architects and other professional services were taken into account.
Councillor Malcolm Nicol, board convener, said: "A number of smaller premises are not entering into the new licensing system and the new fees clearly have a lot to do with that. But people don't have to pay for solicitors and architects to carry out the application process for them. They can take the cheaper route and do it themselves."
Councillor Nicol stressed all applicants had to ensure their premises complied with the new legislation's five objectives: preventing crime and disorder; securing public safety; preventing public nuisance; protecting and improving public health; protecting children from harm.
New legislation governing the sale of liquor in Scotland has been introduced. One of the requirements of the new regime is the establishment of Local Licensing Forums whose role is to keep under review the operation of the licensing system in its area, to give advice and make recommendations to the Licensing Board, but not in respect of any particular case. The Licensing Board has a duty to have regard to the forum's views.
Falkirk Council Licensing Board comprises ten members appointed by Falkirk Council and is responsible for all matters relative to the granting of licences for the sale and supply of alcohol and for various gambling activities.
Forum members are: Lennox Ainslie (Bo'ness Community Council); Pete Cheema (Spar); Gordon Coster (Corporate and Commercial Services); Caird Forsyth (Corporate and Commercial Services); Dr Graham Foster (NHS Forth Valley); Tom Grieve (Brightons Community Council); Alan Keir (Belhaven); David Kerr (The Lane); Andrew Lawson (Forth Valley College); Bill Little (Dialogue Youth); Donald Pebbles (Central Community Council); Superintendent Robbie Mcgregor (Central Scotland Police); John Rintoul (Denny Community Council); Paul Smith (Castle Leisure); Tom Wilson (Grangemouth Community Council).
