Threshers and its sister chains have reached the inevitable stage of closures and redundancies as they were seek new buyers. However, the staffs were ascertained that their wages for the following week would be paid.

First Quench, which also owns Haddows, Threshers, Wine Rack and The Local chains, has bought in KPMG - the administrators last night. Trading in the off-license sector was becoming increasingly competitive and in the case of First Quench, the recession has just become an additional burden along with the cut - price supermarket competition.

The announcement that 81 redundancies in Welwyn Garden City, First Quench’s headquarters came through along with the news that all the 1300 stores were to be kept open while ascertaining the viable assets before seeking potential buyers. It is also certain that more redundancies and a few closures would be made as they looked for a buyer.

It is notable that it has been the same trouble for others in the off - license sector as more chains are falling into the hands of the administrators, the major two reasons being recession and supermarket competition.