DISTRIBUTORS of Buckfast tonic wine are to take legal action against licensing boards, including Glasgow's, which they claim discriminate against shops selling the drink.

DISTRIBUTORS of Buckfast tonic wine are to take legal action against licensing boards, including Glasgow's, which they claim discriminate against shops selling the drink.

Lawyers for J Chandler, which sells the drink on behalf of the monks of Buckfast Abbey in Devon, accused the city's board of breaching the law by targeting its product.

They also claim that licensing officials in South Ayrshire have singled out the brand during a recent meeting with supermarkets.

Jim Wilson, of J Chandler, said it had evidence that licensing officials with the two local authorities had singled out its product and that the company intends to lodge papers with the Court of Session seeking a judicial review of the actions of both licensing boards.

Mr Wilson said: "They shouldn't be discus- sing or alluding to particular products, so why is Buckfast being targeted?

"We are taking legal action because this has got to stop.

"We know what Glasgow licensing board is up to they are using euphemisms to refer to Buckfast and we are not prepared to let this continue. This is not sabre-rattling."

A Glasgow licensing board spokesman said: "The board does not seek any undertaking or impose any conditions in relation to specific products."

Douglas Campbell, chairman of the South Ayrshire licensing board, confirmed that concerns raised by Buckfast were being investigated.

He said: "We have a code of practice for off-sales including a section on drinks that might be attractive to young people.

"We have never told a licensee not to stock Buckfast."

The move is the latest in several years of political battles involving Buckfast.

Last year, Kenny MacAskill was accused by Buckfast of demonising the drink after he referred to it in parliament while defending plans to raise the age at which people can buy alcohol from shops from 18 to 21.

In 2006, Andy Kerr, the former Labour health minister, said: "There is something different about that drink that does something to, particularly, our young people. I do believe it's an irresponsible drink in its own right."