Edinburgh hosts face curfew in crackdown
Pubs and clubs in Edinburgh that fail to cut violence on their premises could be forced to close at 10pm.
Cheap drinks promotions and extended happy hours could also be banned as part of a raft of measures being considered by the city's licensing authorities. Edinburgh Council is looking at ways to stop alcohol-fuelled disorder and it is principally targeting stag and hen nights, which are becoming increasingly popular in the city. The curfew idea was influenced by similar action taken by authorities in Dublin. A report by the deputy clerk of the licensing board, presented to the council on Monday, said such restrictions are both possible and desirable in Edinburgh. "The availability of afternoon or evening restriction orders means that in the event of complaints of nuisance, the hours can be cut back, even to 10pm."
City council leader Donald Anderson has confirmed it is considering 10pm curfews at troublesome venues, but only as one option. "If we feel that Edinburgh's popularity as a stag and hen location does become increasingly unacceptable with our residents, businesses and visitors, we'll look at the possibility of using the powers available to us," Anderson said.
Simon Kaye, commercial director for Regent Inns, which operates a Walkabout venue in Edinburgh, said that he would welcome a 10pm curfew atirresponsible venues, "if it is applied sensibly and with an appropriate amount of balance". He added that he supports firm action on drinks discounting, as expected in forthcoming British Beer & Pub Association guidelines, and wants this extended to include minimum pricing of £1.50 per drink.
The proposal comes as Scotland awaits the publication of the Nicholson report white paper on the future of the country's licensing laws. The Nicholson Committee, which outlined proposals for the white paper, recommended a crackdown on "irresponsible promotionalactivities" and also recommended deciding opening hours on a "premises by premises" basis.
Anderson added: "We're also awaiting the publication of the Nicholson Report white paper to see if that helps resolve some of our problems."
Stag and hen nights under fire Edinburgh's licensing board is to specifically consider measures to try to curb the number of stag and hen parties visiting the city, amid concerns it is putting off less rambunctious visitors. The board is considering monthly licensing reviews, a method used in Dublin to encourage pubs with late licences to refuse entry to large groups of men and women in the city's pubs. Council leader Donald Anderson said:
"Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city which is hugely popular with tourists from around the world. "While we encourage both young and old to come and experience Edinburgh, we want to ensure that everyone who is out enjoying the pubs, clubs and restaurants is safe and having a good time. "Edinburgh is not experiencing the same problems as Dublin did, but we're looking and learning to see how the issue was tackled. "We do not want the city to be known as a hub for binge-drinking and anti-social behaviour whether by stag and hen dos or other groups of people."
