Pub drinking pods plan is scuppered

A PUB owner has claimed his plans to open an outdoor seating area outside one of his boozers have been left in tatters, after council officials changed the conditions on planning permission.

Last month, Jimmy Marr revealed he had spent tens of thousands of pounds building outdoor pods that would allow him to reopen his Tay Bridge Bar on the Perth Road from April 26.

He had reached an agreement with Dundee City Council which was set to allow him the opportunity to serve food and drink at the outside tables.

However, yesterday Jimmy saw his innovative plans go up in smoke as he claimed the council had moved the goalposts.

He said: “I had been given the go-ahead from Police Scotland, Dundee City Council roads team and the licensing board.

“Now I have been told that the planning department are requesting a condition that makes it impossible for me to install the pods at the front of the pub as planned and agreed.

“They have said the pods would have to be removed each night, which is simply not possible. They are too big and we don’t have anywhere to store them.”

The council had told him he could use plastic tables and chairs but he said: “With plastic tables, they are much easier for people to move and join up, which puts the guidelines in jeopardy.

“It doesn’t make any sense.” Jimmy said it was now unlikely the pub would be able to reopen in just over two weeks time.

He added: “I’ve already taken staff back on for that starting date. Two full time and one part time members who are currently furloughed.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The Tay Bridge Bar has been granted permission to use the space outside their premises.

“All businesses who wish to utilise outside space must adhere to a set of guidelines, one of which is to remove any street furniture each evening at the end of trading.”

Jimmy Marr has spent thousands on the pods to prepare for reopening on April 26 and has also rehired staff.