Dozens of jobs could be at risk after off licence chain Bargain Booze was revealed to be heading for collapse.

The well known retailer, which has stores in Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Milnsbridge Mirfield, Elland and Batley, is on the brink of administration after its owner Conviviality failed to secure emergency funding.

Grand opening of Bargain Booze, Milnsbridge: Shop owner, Akeib Mahmood (right) with his parents Abid Mahmood and Gul Akhtar who run the shop on Market Street.
Grand opening of Bargain Booze, Milnsbridge: Shop owner, Akeib Mahmood (right) with his parents Abid Mahmood and Gul Akhtar who run the shop on Market Street.

About 2,500 jobs at risk at Conviviality, which also owns Wine Rack.

There are no Wine Rack shops in Kirklees or Calderdale.

The administration threat is expected to be confirmed tomorrow.

It is understood accountancy giant PwC is being lined up as administrator should a buyer not be found.

Shares have been suspended since Conviviality disclosed the discovery of its £30m tax bill and a string of profit warnings, which saw its chief executive step down.

Conviviality was forced to go cap in hand to investors to raise £125 million as a result, but it has been unable to convince them of its long-term future.

A statement read: "Despite a significant number of meetings with potential investors resulting in good levels of demand, and constructive discussions with a number of key customers and suppliers regarding the provision of support, there was ultimately insufficient demand to raise the full £125 million.

"The board wish to thank its customers, suppliers and employees for their continued support during this difficult period for the company.

"The company is in discussions with its lending banks and advisers regarding other possible options and is in receipt of a number of inbound enquiries regarding a potential sale of all or parts the business."

Bargain Booze, Holmfirth
Bargain Booze, Holmfirth

Last week, boss Diana Hunter stepped down with "immediate effect", with non-executive chairman David Adams stepping into the breach until further notice.

Ms Hunter, a former Waitrose director, had been chief executive since 2013 and led the group through its stock market flotation in the same year.

She also oversaw a number of acquisitions, including Wine Rack, Matthew Clark and Bibendum.

The company's collapse would cap a nightmare quarter for the retail sector.

Since January, Toys R Us and Maplin have filed for administration, while fashion retailers such as New Look and Select have embarked on radical store closure programmes.

Piling on the misery has been the under pressure casual dining sector, with Prezzo, Byron and Jamie's Italian all shutting restaurants and culling hundreds of jobs.