Glasgow supermarkets alcohol bid refused

Thirteen supermarkets in Glasgow have been refused permission to extend their shelf space to sell alcohol. The applications — which relate to...

Thirteen supermarkets in Glasgow have been refused permission to extend their shelf space to sell alcohol.

The applications — which relate to three Tescos, four Asdas, three Morrisons, one Sainsburys, one Co-op and a Marks & Spencer — were refused under the public health objective in Scotland's Licensing Act.

A spokesman for Glasgow Licensing Board said: "The applications were refused because they were considered to be inconsistent with the council's policy of protecting and improving public health."

Licensing Board officials are set to inspect the site of other stores before a ruling is given on whether they can extend their shelf space for alcohol.

A spokesman for The British Retail Consortium, which represents Asda, Tesco and Marks & Spencer, said the action restricts competition because fewer items can be displayed.

"It's not going to make a difference to responsible drinking but will penalise law-abiding customers," he added.