Licensing bosses face rules criticism

Licensing bosses have been rapped for breaking their own rules over early morning drinking.

South Ayrshire Council’s in- house watchdog, the local licensing forum, criticised the “deviation” to allow Prestwick Golf Club an 8am start at the bar.

The move, granted for three events last year, has raised the ire of forum members, who said the region’s Board had “erred in judgment”.

In a strongly worded letter through South Ayrshire Council’s legal department, new forum chair Bill Mackie criticised the move.

He said: “The Forum are very concerned that the Board have deviated from their policy in regard to these particular premises and that the decision to do so could affect future licensing hours in South Ayrshire.

“On this occasion the Forum feel that the Board has erred in judgment and the grant of these hours is not in keeping with the licensing objectives ‘ Protecting and Improving Public Health and Securing Public Safety’.”

In May last year, Prestwick members were granted one of their special early licences for the Victoria Vase competition.

A group of nearly 100 golfers – some who travelled from overseas – took part in the event, which features the traditional downing of Kummel liqueur.

The Vase was launched in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Board chair Ann Galbraith said: “We examine each application on its merits and it was felt the golf club put forward a good case for these hours.

“The new licensing board may look at changing the policy in terms of special provisions, but that is for them to decide after the election in May.”