THE administrators at off-licence group First Quench have named a total of 373 stores identified for closure, at a cost of 1,738 jobs. First Quench, which includes the Threshers, Wine Rack, The Local, Haddows, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine brands, went into administration last week.

SUFFOLK: Administrators at off-licence group First Quench have named a total of 373 stores identified for closure, at a cost of 1,738 jobs.

First Quench, which includes the Threshers, Wine Rack, The Local, Haddows, Bottoms Up and Victoria Wine brands, went into administration last week.

The stores due to close in Suffolk are the branches of Threshers in Hadleigh High Street (where four people are currently employed) and Dobbs Lane, Kesgrave (three).

Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at accountancy firm KPMG and joint administrator of First Quench, said: “Unfortunately, after reviewing the viability of the store network, 373 loss-making stores are to be closed.

“Depending on stock levels, 247 of the stores will continue to trade until November 25, with 126 trading until December 2.”

Closing down sales, with stock being sold off at a discount, will be held at all of the affected stores, starting with immediate effect.