Noisy smokers trouble Edinburgh licensees

Complaints about noisy smokers outside Edinburgh pubs have soared with licensees saying controlling noise is hitting trade.

A total of 180 complaints have been made in the six months since Scotland's smoking ban came into force - 132 were in the past three months alone and council staff say they are now logging one new complaint each day.

Licensees say they have even lost trade due to the steps they have taken to appease neighbours.

David MacDonald, owner of the Bunch O' Roses told the Scotsman: "We took in all the tables and chairs so folk are no longer able to sit outside.​

"But my punters are now sitting outside the Cougar Lounge in Leith because they can sit outside there."

Mr MacDonald added that he felt the money he had spent on a pavement licence was wasted.

A council spokeswoman said licensees had been cooperative when contacted about complaints.

My punters are now sitting outside the Cougar Lounge in Leith because they can sit outside there ​ David MacDonald, owner of the Bunch O' Roses, Edinburgh.

She said: "The council's licensing standards officers have experienced a positive response from licensees who have made concerted efforts to resolve any identified issues outside their premises."​

Councillor Sheila Gilmore, the city's community safety and housing leader, told the paper: "Inevitably, there have been a number of complaints . . . we will continue to work with the licensed trade in order to remind them of their responsibilities in this area."​

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