The Unwins off-licence chain dates back to 1843

Accountants KPMG were called in as administrators at 1700 GMT on Monday by Unwins' main creditor, HBOS.

Administrator Myles Halley said that only 95 of the firm's 350 stores were trading, and that it was too early to talk about potential job losses.

In March, DM Private Equity bought the 168-year-old Kent-based firm, which employs around 2,500 staff.

In recent weeks Unwins has put more than 40 stores up for sale, while others have been temporarily closed.

It was already planning to make over 100 shop managers redundant.

Recently, off-licences have been hit by increased sales of wine, beer and spirits at major supermarkets.