Man claims outlets in other locations have not faced such obstacles

The owner of a famous Scottish chip shop chain has accused Perth council chiefs of not doing enough to support small businesses.

Angelo Varese, who runs the celebrity-endorsed Blue Lagoon empire, urged the local authority to be “more proactive” after winning a year-long licensing battle.

The Glasgow businessman secured a bid to extend opening times at his High Street restaurant, after they were first refused by officials in 2019.

The council, which over the last few weeks has awarded more than £35 million to local firms hit by lockdown, last night mounted a robust defence against Mr Varese’s accusations.

The Blue Lagoon has been allowed to open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – albeit on a trial basis.

Mr Varese thanked officers for approving the new arrangement, but said the local authority still needed to be “more proactive” to support local businesses.

Perth is a beautiful city, but if the powers that be really want to promote it as a city, then they have to be more proactive and do what other cities do. ANGELO VARESE

“Perth is a beautiful city, but if the powers that be really want to promote it as a city, then they have to be more proactive and do what other cities do – mainly, encourage and assist businesses to open and help to thrive and succeed,” he said.

Mr Varese said other Blue Lagoons in Glasgow, Stirling, Largs and Ayr trade beyond 11pm.

“It has always been encouraged, not frowned upon,” he said.

In his report, a planning office spokesman said: “Ideally, a premises with office accommodation above would be better suited to late-night hot food takeaway use.

“This is not the case here, as residential premises are directly above the takeaway and restaurant.”

Environmental health officers said they had not received complaints about noise since the business opened in 2019.

However, the flat above the premises has been vacant for at least the last year.

The Blue Lagoon made international headlines when pop singer Justin Bieber bought deep-fried haggis and Irn-Bru from a Glasgow outlet.

A local authority spokeswoman responded: “Perth and Kinross Council has been providing immediate support to business through business grants and support to allow businesses to reopen safely and maximise the opportunities for trading within a challenging environment.”