Chip shop boss hits out after opening hours extension is refused

THE owner of a new fast food outlet in Perth has warned Perth and Kinross Council “to start acting like a city” after officers refused an application to extend his shop’s weekend opening hours.

Angelo Varese, owner of Blue Lagoon, had applied to extend the outlet’s Friday and Saturday opening hours from 11pm to 1am, claiming he was being forced to turn away customers at the door due to relatively restrictive operating times.

The owner of the chip shop has spent close to £1 million buying and renovating the shop on High Street since it opened earlier this year.

Planning officers have refused the request, saying it did not meet with the council’s development plan and the noise and kitchen odour would “impact on the residential amenity of surrounding properties”.

Mr Varese said: “We’re bitterly disappointed by this. All we are asking for is another two hours on Friday and Saturday. People are trying to get in and we’re closing the door on them at 11pm.”

Mr Varese, who has been in business for more than 40 years, has Blue Lagoon shops which open in Glasgow until 5am and has recently opened shops in Stirling which open to 3am on a Saturday.

He said: “I’m not trying to say ‘let’s make it like Glasgow’ but if they want to be a city then act like a city.”

Mr Varese argued the Blue Lagoon is a prime city centre location, close to many pubs which stay open after 11pm.

In their report, planning officials said: “It has not been shown that the premises is capable of operation without affecting the residential amenity on neighbouring properties.”

A council spokesman said: “The council works extensively with businesses to support their economic development. On some occasions this has to be balanced with protecting the amenity and wellbeing of neighbouring residents.”