Parts of pubs to convert into bookmakers

Two pubs in Scotland have won planning permission to convert part of their premises to betting shops, in what's believed to be a first in the UK.

The Motherwell Point and The Cherry Tree have suffered a loss of custom since the introduction of Scotland's smoking ban two years ago.

Both premises are in the unemployment blackspot of Motherwell, where the main shopping mall is dominated by discount stores and charity shops.

Planners approved the schemes, despite a local business objecting on grounds that there are already four betting shops around Motherwell Point's town centre location.

The council's planning chief said another betting premises there (the Cherry Tree is further out of town) wouldn't make a difference.

It's understood the bars' owners will seek fresh licences under Scotland's new Licensing Act which will take into account "material alterations" to the premises.

Motherwell Point acting manager Diane Slater said: "This is definitely all about the smoking ban, and the damage it has caused. At least two local pubs have closed recently because of the ban, not to mention bingo halls and social clubs."

She added: "There won't be direct access from the new bar to the betting shop, once this goes ahead - you'll have to go out the main door in order to get in to the betting shop - but it will certainly be very handy for customers."

Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson told The Publican: "We warned when they brought in the smoking ban that there would be unpredictable consequences, and these bars - as far as I know the first to pursue this idea - are further evidence of that."

He added: "On the positive side it does show that the entrepreneurial spirit of the licensed trade in Scotland is alive and well."