The Scottish Government has dropped plans to bring in new legislation which could have led to charities acting as ‘market operators’ having to apply for a licence.

The provisions were contained within the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill currently going through Parliament, based on recommendations from a Task Group set up by the previous administration which reported in 2004.

However, after concerns were raised by charities and community groups, Ministers have agreed that the plans should now not go ahead.

Section 40 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 allows local authorities to require the operators of private markets (ie markets at which goods are offered by more than one seller for sale to the public) to be licensed. There is an exemption for functions held by charitable, religious, youth, recreational, community, political or similar organisations. The Criminal Justice & Licensing Bill would remove that exemption.

• Full story at eGov Monitor.

• Filed under Church Finance/Management, Scottish Christian News Monitor.