Late licensing for festivities

Pubs have been given the green light for late opening on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

Wi t h b o t h f e s t i v e occasions falling on Mondays, venues lined up to get permission for longer opening times from the council.

The Tam O’Shanter Inn, the Market Inn and the Wolf in Ayr and Prestwick’s The Buf got the go- ahead to open until 2.30am for the two festive dates.

Licensing standards officer Catrina Andrew said the Tam’OShanter and Market Inn got late opening last year and no “adverse reports” were received.

But one councillor on the South Ayrshire Licensing Board warned of the impact opening into the wee hours could have on the police.

Conservative Councillor Bob Pollock said: “One of the concerns I have is the impact that this could have on the emergency services.”

He asked the licensing board to get a comment from the police, which was agreed during the meeting on Thursday.

C o u n c i l l o r L a u r a Brennan- Whitefield said: “Given the day Christmas is falling on, I would be minded to grant these so people can enjoy the festivities.”

MacIntyres Bar in Troon also received permission to open until 3.30am for the whole of December on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

I t is also allowed to keep doors open until 1.30 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Appearing before the board MacIntyre owner Stewart Wallace said he wanted the option to have extended hours when required throughout the month.

Licensing standards officer Ms Andrew told him to let her know the exact intended closing times throughout December.

Explaining how the venue had no trouble, Mr Wallace said: “We run a tight ship.”

Elsewhere the Maybole Hall Committee got the nod of approval for a ball in the Town Hall.

The traditional bash can run until 2am on December 29 as long as the 190 ticketed guests only receive five vouchers for alcohol each limited to a single unit.

There is a Ceilidh band and bre a k f a s t Ms Andrew decribed it as “a ‘ tried and tested’ event.”

She said: “This annual event has enjoyed a terminal hour of 2am for the past few years from which no complaints or concerns have been raised as a result.”