Licence error closes Holyrood bar

MSPs had to do without their lunch time tipple

Politicians enjoying a lunch time drink in the Holyrood bar had to be told to leave because of a licensing mix-up.

Managers of the building's exclusive Members' Bar closed up after realising a liquor licence application had not been made in time.

They feared they were breaking the law by serving alcohol without official permission from the licensing board.

But two hours later, officials realised they could carry on trading under the old documentation and the bar reopened.

A parliament spokesman said an undisclosed number of drinkers had to leave the bar at lunch time, but added that they were not "inconvenienced" by the bungle.

The spokesman said: "Whilst we were late in our application for a new liquor licence we have been informed we are able to continue trading on our existing licence until a renewal application is considered by the licensing board later in the month."

The members' bar serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits, with MSPs' guests and members of the media also allowed in.