Some 1,800 workers for beleaguered off-licence Unwins have been made redundant and all 350 of its stores closed, administrators have said.
Accountants KPMG were called in as administrators at 1700 GMT on Monday by Unwins' main creditor, HBOS.
Administrator Myles Halley said he appreciated it was a "particularly difficult time of year" but there was "no alternative but to cease trading".
Unwins bosses had tried to sell several stores recently but were unsuccessful.
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BBC NEWS
Published: 2005/12/20 17:05:57 GMT
