The future of Thomson's of Tranent could be at risk after the well-known business was ordered to stop selling alcohol - and the move is bad news for the town's floral displays too.

An “administration error” resulted in the shop's occasional alcohol sales licence, which is renewed annually, not being renewed by them in time, admits owner George Thomson, who spends thousands of pounds on ensuring the town centre is looking tip-top.

He and his wife Susan own the premises – which includes a shop, bistro and post office on Winton Place – and says the ban on alcohol, which covers both the shop and bistro, could mean a 30 per cent drop in monthly takings.

The prominent premises opened in 2019, with the Thomsons having traded in the town since 1998, previously owning a premises across the street.

Such is the financial impact on the business of the alcohol sales ban, that the Thomsons have cancelled a long-standing £700 a month standing order with East Lothian Council for new flowers and plants to brighten up the town's High Street.

Mr Thomson, described as a Tranent "stalwart", told the Courier: “Council licensing officers came to the shop on Monday and told us we could no longer sell alcohol. They put stickers up saying we had no licence and could not sell alcohol.

“It was a surprise. We have had no issues with alcohol in the past. Each year we apply for our licence at the same time and I did so again this year.

“But we are being told it was late and that now we are no longer able to sell alcohol.”

Mr Thomson also said that the loss of income will mean the immediate end of his funding towards flowers and plants across Tranent.

George and Susan say they have spent £22,500 over the past two years on flowers and planters which are on display across Tranent High Street.

Mr Thomson says he also spends about 12 hours per week maintaining the flowers, and had a £700 standing order with East Lothian Council per month for the purchase of flowers and planters.

He said this standing order has now been cancelled.

He added: “We have 22 staff, and I am already worried about cutting hours. I do not have the time to dedicate to watering the flowers.

“The standing order with the council has been cancelled and we are now worried for the future of the business.

“It has only been in place since Monday afternoon, and we are already seeing a drastic drop in footfall.”

East Lothian Courier: George Thomson (pictured) of Thomson's of Tranent, has been told to cover all alcohol in the shop with plastic bags George Thomson (pictured) of Thomson's of Tranent, has been told to cover all alcohol in the shop with plastic bags

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “This matter is currently under police investigation and therefore not appropriate for council comment.”

Mr Thomson denies any legal wrongdoing, saying police visited the store to ensure alcohol products were covered up.

He said: “The council licensing officer reported us to the police for serving alcohol without a licence. The police visited on Tuesday and we were told to cover up our alcohol and could not display that we sold it.

“I was told by the licensing police officer that he had no problems with the shop since we started selling alcohol.”

Mr Thomson said he hopes a solution can be found soon, but fears for the future of the business if it is not.

He said: “It could take about four weeks to have this resolved. That is a lot of business to lose and we’re already feeling the effects.

“Winning back customers who have come in and been told they can’t buy alcohol will be hard.

“We are disappointed at how this has been handled. We want to work with the council and are not angry. I am just sorrowful that it has come to this.”

Colin McGinn, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, hoped a resolution could be found.

He said: "The work George and Susan do in Tranent is evident for all to see and it would be a real shame to see that be stopped as a result of this.

"There has been some sort of issue here; I know work will be done to get it resolved as soon as possible.

"I'm sure it will be sorted soon and I hope business isn't too badly impacted."

Neil Ellis, vice-chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, added: “We are very grateful to George and all he does for the community. He is a real stalwart in Tranent and a huge name in the town.

“We hope that the issue is resolved soon. Any impact it has on the work George does in the town will be a bad thing.

“Hopefully things are worked out with the council and the licensing team.”