Inverness licensees fear big chain

A group of Inverness licensees have hit out at plans by Barracuda to convert an old city-centre bank into a bar.

The group fear the multi-million pound venture could kill off smaller venues and cost jobs.

I get annoyed with the way the licensing board deal with the big guys ​Licensee Ewan Barras.

They say the local council pledged not to allow new licenses but feel Barracuda is getting special treatment because of its size.

Local licensee Grant Skinner told the Highland News: "We are not happy about this at all.​

"We reckon it will be total over provision in the city centre and it's hard enough to get trade without another big chain coming in.

Skinner added: "If the Barracuda Group is granted a licence, it will be a disaster.​

"As far as I know, the council said a few years back it wouldn't be giving out more licences.

"Half the buildings in the city centre are derelict and I get the impression the council is simply desperate to put anybody in these places so that it can get the rates."

Ewan Barras, of the Phoenix said: "I get annoyed with the way the licensing board deal with the big guys like the Barracuda chain."​

A Barracuda Group spokesman told the paper: "We have submitted a licensing application for 9 High Street, Inverness, to transform the grade A listed-building into a stylish and upmarket Smith & Jones pub.​

"Barracuda Group has expertise in transforming listed buildings and character properties into Smith & Jones pubs and bringing the sites back into public use.

"The proposed pub at Inverness will represent a significant investment by the Barracuda Group, including the renovation and retention of many of the building's original features."

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