Ayr superpub in hot water over

Oct 17 2008

AYR’S newest pub was in trouble with licensing chiefs from day one.

And the £2 million Malt Cross has hit more woes since its grand opening.

Breaches in the licensing code of practice include:

Free drink, including shots, given away on opening night, August 20.

A ‘buy two glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free’ promotion on menus and posters.

TV screens showing a ‘make your single a double for a £1’ spirits promotion.

Other TV offers including ‘a free bucket of wine or beer’ with ‘Mistletoe and Dine’

Advertising based on ‘the 10 sins of Smith and Jones’, a number of which are drinks offers.

A report to South Ayrshire Licensing Board revealed the breaches.

They were highlighted by licensing standards officer Catrina Andrew.

Mrs Andrew said Malt Cross manager Francis Curran was ‘aware’ and ‘receptive’ to the licensing code.

But she added: “He had a challenge to explain to his head office why they needed to adhere to the code.”

South Ayrshire’s code of practice is aimed at discouraging binge drinking and raising licensing standards.

And the board has previously docked late hours from another superpub chain who refused to comply.

Mrs Andrew pointed out that other licensees were complying with the code.

She said: “In these difficult times when there is a temptation to offer large discounts or promotions, it is my opinion that a level playing field is maintained.”

The Malt Cross is a Smith and Jones-branded pub operated by the giant Barracuda group.

And when Barracuda heard Mrs Andrew would submit a report to the licensing board, there was an apologetic phone call to her office.

Board chairman Councillor Douglas Campbell told pub manager Mr Curran: “Your extended hours are conditional on following the code of practice. There is a also a trading standards issue – advertising goods you can’t deliver.”

But Councillor Campbell said he would give Mr Curran time to speak to his head office.

And Barracuda will be given the opportunity to meet Mrs Andrew and trading standards officers.

They will have to show a willingness to comply with the code at next month’s licensing board meeting.

If not, the new pub will face a costly loss of its late and Sunday afternoon hours.