The prospect of 24-hour opening caused political controversy

Deputy Finance Minister George Lyon said he was prepared to hold urgent talks following the chaotic vote at Holyrood last week.

MSPs agreed that off-sales should only be allowed between 1000 and 2200 GMT.

However, Mr Lyon said this would not come into effect until 2009 - and that ministers would have the power to adjust the times in future.

That decision would rest with the government in place after the next Holyrood election in 2007.

I intend to agree to meetings with them (trade bodies) to discuss the outcome of Wednesday's vote George Lyon Deputy minister

The Licensing (Scotland) Bill was passed on Wednesday after a heated and ill-tempered debate.

MSPs voted to tighten the law on off-sales and devolve the decision on pub opening hours to local licensing boards.

The bill allows the sale of alcohol in pubs and clubs 24 hours a day, but only in exceptional circumstances.

Amid a flurry of late amendments, the Scottish National Party accused the Scottish Executive of panicking and described the situation as "chaos".

Mr Lyon, a Liberal Democrat MSP, told the BBC's Politics Show that "a good number" of trade bodies now wanted urgent meetings with the executive.

Next administration

"I intend to agree to meetings with them to discuss the outcome of Wednesday's vote," he said.

He acknowledged that the two-hour reduction in the hours for off-sales would have a "substantial" impact on the trade and consumers.

Mr Lyon said there was a provision which would allow ministers to adjust off-sales times.

"The new legislation doesn't come in until 2009, so it will be for the next administration to decide whether it wishes to exercise that power," he said.