Knockback for hopes of festive booze extension
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A HIGHLAND Council blunder has dashed initial hopes of festive revellers partying until 4am over Christmas.
News of the extension to the late-night opening of the two nightclubs in Caithness spread like wildfire over social networking sites earlier this week, prompting the John O’Groat Journal to investigate the claims.
But yesterday the county’s sole councillor on the licensing board claimed he’d never heard of such a policy.
And late yesterday afternoon, it emerged why Landward Caithness councillor Willie Mackay was in the dark – it was because the applications had not been approved by the board and are invalid.
It was reported on Facebook and Twitter earlier this week that Wick’s only nightclub The Waterfront had been granted a licence to stay open until 4am on certain nights over the next two weeks.
Manager Robert Sutherland confirmed yesterday morning to the Groat that he had received approval from the local authority to keep the booze flowing until 4am over several nights including next weekend and Hogmanay.
But a council official urgently contacted the Groat as the paper went to press to say that the licence was invalid as it had been granted by the licensing board’s clerk, and not the board convener councillor Maxine Smith as it should have been.
It is understood Mr Sutherland will now have to reapply to the board for the extended opening hours.
Mr Sutherland declined to comment on the discovery last night but said he expected to know more by next week.
Mr Mackay said he would be against such a move so soon after the lifting of the Cinderella door curfew, allowing patrons into clubs after midnight.
“Nothing has come up yet about 4am licences that I’m aware of,” said Mr Mackay.
“I wouldn’t be too keen on it and if it was put forward I wouldn’t support it.
“We have 3am licences now and personally I think that’s enough.”
He added: “Besides, where do people get the endurance to socialise to 4am in the morning?”
Reacting to the announcement that both the Waterfront and Skinandi’s nightclub in Thurso have asked to be open until 4am, Caithness civic leader Gail Ross advised revellers to enjoy Christmas but not to overdo it.
“I would urge people to enjoy themselves over the festive period but keep safe,” she said.
Prior to the revelation, Mr Sutherland was also urging drinkers to be sensible with the late openings.
“It’s really for Christmas parties but there will be live entertainment,” he said.
“I’d say to people to drink sensibly.”
Similarly, Skinandi’s has also applied for the extended late licence.
Owner Brian Cardosi wished his customers a “very Merry Christmas and a Happy – responsible drinking – New Year.”
Under current rules, pubs can apply for a 2am extended licence but this meant clubs would potentially lose their two hour advantage in getting people through the doors.
Ms Smith raised the issue last month when she said the midnight curfew could be one way to combat the problem.
