THOUSANDS of jobs are at risk at Bargain Booze as its owner looks set to plunge into administration.

The national retailer supplies to stores in Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and Crawley, and the futures of more than 2,600 staff are in doubt.

Conviviality, Bargain Booze’s parent company, plans to appoint administrators within the next ten days “unless circumstances change”.

Bosses revealed a mammoth tax bill of £30 million this month, prompting shares in the business to be suspended.

Chief executive Dianna Hunt stepped down as a result of the situation.

Conviviality was forced to try to raise £125 million from investors but failed to convince them of its long-term future.

Conviviality said yesterday it will continue trading in that period in the hope of preserving “as much value as possible” for its stakeholders.

It owns more than 700 retail stores and employs around 2,640 staff.

Conviviality said in a statement: “Following discussions with its lending banks, the board has resolved to file notice of intention to appoint administrators to the company.

“Unless circumstances change, and in accordance with statutory requirements, the board intend to appoint administrators within ten business days.

“The secured creditors can, however, appoint administrators without the requirement for notice.”

It added: “The directors intend to allow the business to continue to trade, and the company continues to work alongside advisers in order to preserve as much value as possible for all stakeholders as it explores a number of inbound enquiries regarding a potential sale of all or parts of the business.”

Conviviality is one of a number of national businesses to face administration in recent months.

Hove-based wholesaler Palmer & Harvey’s rapid demise late last year saw 350 jobs at its Davigdor Road site lost.

Toys R Us has filed for administration, too, with the company’s Hove store expected to shut down in the coming weeks.

Fashion retailer New Look, which has a shop in Brighton city centre, has also announced plans to close scores of stores across the country.