Supporters of the bill argued shop-workers were at increased risk of assault Plans to bring in a specific offence for assaulting workers who deal with the public face defeat at Holyrood.
Labour’s Hugh Henry brought the backbench bill, saying employees such as shop-workers or train and bus conductors needed extra protection.
However, ministers say people are already protected under common law support, whether they work with the public or not.
MSPs will vote on the Protection of Workers Bill in parliament.
Mr Henry said the legislation was backed by shop-workers, major retailers and transport workers.
He added: “MSPs of all parties have decided to toughen the law on alcohol and nicotine and MSPs expect shop-workers to play their part in ensuring that drunk people are not served and that children do not get served.
“This will put pressure on shop-workers and it’s right that we play fair by them and ensure that they get the protection they deserve.”
It is already a specific offence to assault or obstruct people providing emergency care, such as doctors and nurses.
Mr Henry’s bill has won support from shop-workers union Usdaw, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Co-operative Group.
However, Holyrood’s economy committee, which has been scrutinising the bill, said it would not extend the legal protection currently in force and recommended it be voted down.
But the committee called for consideration to be given to new prosecution and sentencing guidelines in relation to assaults on workers who deal with the public, to tackle the perception that aggravating circumstances are not taken seriously.
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