Prestwick pubs anger over new venue's late license

Feb 5 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A GLITZY pub in Prestwick is taking weekend business away from more traditional licensed premises.

And older established businesses are calling for ‘a level playing field’ in late night hours.

But the problem is, they currently don’t offer either the entertainment or security that £1m pub Elliots can give.

Elliots last year gained consent to stay open an extra hour, until 1.30am, four nights a week, Wednesday until Saturday.

Boss Colin Blair successfully argued that Prestwick needed late night entertainment, so customers didn’t have to move on to nightclubs in Ayr or Troon.

But now both the Golf Inn and the Red Lion are seeking an extra hour, on Fridays and Saturday.

A solicitor for the Golf Inn told South Ayrshire Licensing Board: “Half the customers leave at 11pm, so they don’t have to pay the entry fee at Elliots.

“And, as you will appreciate, Friday and Saturday evenings are core business hours for the premises.”

The same solicitor also represented the Red Lion.

And he pleaded: “As well as giving one Prestwick establishment a competitive advantage, so it has created a disadvantage for others.

“It’s difficult enough to trade at the moment, without half your customers leaving at a critical time.”

Board member Councillor Ian Douglas asked the solicitor: “If it’s to be a level playing field, will the other pubs make a cover charge after 11pm?”

The solicitor seemed to think that was unlikely, as they simply wanted to keep existing customers.

Board chairman Councillor Douglas Campbell told the solicitor: “We took the Elliots’ decision on the basis of the additional entertainment being offered.

“You need to show the premises are offering something beyond the current range of services.”

A police spokesman pointed out that premises staying open beyond 1am also require stewarding, first aid and CCTV cover.

Councillor Campbell, backed by the board, said they would continue the applications for a month.

He said: “I’m concerned you might want further discussions with your clients.

“You have to show substantial entertainment is being provided, and entry is controlled.”

The board has now put the ball firmly back in the court of the Golf Inn and Red Lion to see if they can meet late night requirements.