Minister plans to end liquor license embargo

(CNS Business): The minster responsible for the liquor licensing regime says proposed changes in the way premises are licensed and the now very, likely permanent lifting of the moratorium would not only cut down on illegal booze sales but address the problem of licenses been sub-let at over inflated prices. With a limited number of booze licenses in existence, owners without bars often sell or lease their license to those with premises at much higher rates than the government fee. But Wayne Panton told finance committee, Friday, that the problem of allowing people without a related business to own a license then renting it to a bar or restaurant owner will disappear if the embargo is lifted. Read more on CNS Business