Gran’s tearful plea for licence
A gran wept as she pleaded with councillors to allow her grandson to work in a pub.
Kevin Dunlop’s chance of being granted a personal licence was in jeopardy after he was convicted of assault.
But his gran Margaret Dunlop who runs the Fourways in Mossblown made a passionate appeal to South Ayrshire Council’s licensing panel on his behalf.
Kevin, 22 of the village, was ordered to carry out unpaid work in 2014 for an attack and failing to appear at Ayr Sheriff Court.
Margaret, 68, said: “He is not a bad boy at all. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Politicians on South Ayrshire’s Licensing Panel heard how Kevin was working full time as a joiner and helps out in her pub at the weekends.
As Margaret welled up and struggled to speak, chair Ann Galbraith told her to take her time.
Margaret continued: “He has never been in any trouble. He is a lovely, quiet boy.” Ayr East Councillor Mary Kilpatrick said: “I think it is very brave of his gran to come here and do what she did. I am almost crying myself.
“I think Kevin is very embarrassed by what he did.”
Pointing out that the assault was two years ago, Councillor Allan Dorans said: “I would be inclined to grant the licence.”
Councillor Peter Convery said: “I appreciate how difficult it is for you to be here today.”
Councillor Galbraith said: “He has his licence.”