South Ayrshire Council chiefs 'misled' over adult entertainment

Feb 6 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

Forbes Robertson, lap dance

COUNCIL chiefs once again stand accused of giving false information.

For Ayr businessman Forbes Robertson says they supplied him with an apparently bogus reason for turning down his lap dancing plan.

Mr Robertson said: “I’ve applied five times to the licensing board to have adult entertainment added to my entertainment licence for the Millionayr Casino in Ayr.

“Each time I was turned down I was told the board was ‘awaiting guidelines’ from the Scottish Government.

“But now I have a letter from Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill saying the government has NO plans to produce new guidelines for adult entertainment.

“And South Ayrshire Licensing Board has all along had the power to decide my application.”

Mr Robertson blasted: “I feel misled by the board, and to add insult to injury, they won’t even let me apply again.”

Mr Robertson’s frustration at being constantly turned down led him to seek guidance from John Scott MSP.

Mr Scott was told in a letter from Mr McAskill: “The Scottish Government’s position remains that it is for each local authority’s licensing body to decide whether they wish adult entertainment to take place.”

But Mr Robertson has been consistently told by the licensing board that it was ‘awaiting guidelines’.

Mr Robertson said: “It appears they were just using that as an excuse.”

The casino boss wrote to the council asking for an explanation.

And he expressed amazement that three solicitors advising the board didn’t seem to know the position.

They are clerk to the board Dan Russell, deputy clerk Alan Rosamond, and licensing policy officer Morag Douglas.

Mr Russell, in reply, tells Mr Robertson that the board’s refusals are ‘in line with its policy’ against exotic or erotic dancing.

He adds: “The board has indicated that it would be prepared to review its policy in future when revised statutory guidance in relation to this form of entertainment is forthcoming from the Scottish Government.”

Mr Russell tells Mr Robertson that on the basis of the board’s current policy, he cannot accept any more of his applications.