PEOPLE approved to sell alcohol but operating without the legal requirements from September this year will be targeted by the police.
Police Scotland said it was in discussions with the Scottish Government over the potential for mass noncompliance with liquor laws, with potentially tens of thousands of people unaware they require to be trained by August 31 to be working legally.
As many as 30,000 people in bars, supermarkets, hotels and even restaurants were at risk of losing their 'personal licences' if they have not completed the training.
The Scottish Government warned that those who were noncompliant risked being banned for five years, with no right of appeal. Training providers are gearing up for a flood of applications, with City and Guilds even producing online tests to cope with the anticipated flood.
Enforcement would be expected to fall to Police Scotland, with the force yesterday confirming it will be proactive in ensuring licence holders are fully compliant.
Sergeant David Macdonald, of Police Scotland's licensing policy unit, said: "Police Scotland will support all local authorities in ensuring that alcohol is sold in accordance with licenses issued by them and the legislation.
"The vast majority of personal license holders will require to undertake a training course before August 31 and we will work closely with licensing standards officers within every council area to ensure as many individuals affected complete their training.
"We are in discussions with the Scottish Government regarding this issue and we will continue to work closely with the Scottish licensed trade to ensure alcohol continues to be sold responsibly within safe environments."
Anyone who manages any premises where alcohol is sold requires a personal licence, which also authorises the sale of liquor by others. Many premises have multiple licence holders
A Glasgow Licensing Board spokesman said: "Reminder letters are being sent out to 4000 personal licence holders and we are aiming to simplify the paper work so it is as easy as possible for people."
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