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. This would have meant that charities holding car boot sales and the like would have had to apply to the local authority for a licence.

However, after concerns were raised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, charities and community groups (including the Moray Federation of Community Halls and Associations), Ministers have agreed that the plans should now not go ahead.

Announcing the news, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

"The provisions in this part of the Bill were as a result of recommendations from a Task Group who carried out an extensive review of civic government licensing across Scotland. Their recommendation was that charities should no longer be exempt from having to apply for a market operators licence.

"However, we have received many representations and understand the concerns that the change contained within the Bill will impact on fundraising events in general.

"We want to work with, not against the charity sector so my ministerial colleagues and I have therefore decided that the proposal should not go ahead.

"We've listened to the concerns raised by the charity sector - and we've acted.