Decision makes no dram sense

Dear Editor I read in last Wednesday’s Observer that Stirling Licensing Board had turned down an application by Jack Breslin, owner of the Scottish Gantry, to create a whisky bar in the Stirling Arcade. I find this decision mystifying.

The Scottish Gantry, at the entrance to the arcade, is one of the few independent retail businesses in Stirling.

I pass it at least once each week and it clearly attracts customers from all over the globe bringing much needed tourist footfall into the depressed town centre.

I understand the plans for the whisky bar are to continue the business of the gantry, to fill an empty retail space in the arcade and provide a pleasant venue for residents and visitors alike to learn about and enjoy whisky.

I understand and applaud the board’s overprovision arrangements.

Stirling is over-endowed with pubs offering cheap alcohol which contribute to the unpleasant and sometimes threatening environment in the town centre.

However, I do not agree that the board’s refusal to grant a licence to Mr Breslin is a matter of countering overprovision.

Surely the Whisky Bar would have been a unique business.

I’m surprised the board has decided against support for a new venture which would contribute to tourism in the town centre, offer residents real choice in licensed premises and encourage a business start-up.

I hope that this decision can be reconsidered.

Susan Dumbleton By email