SBPA urges Falkirk licensing board to give pubs a fairer deal on opening hours

Whilst the SBPA “broadly welcomed” the contents of Falkirk Licensing Board’s draft policy, it questioned why certain types of licensed premises like nightclubs, golf and bowling clubs continued to have more flexible opening hours compared to pubs, particularly on Sunday mornings and late into the evenings.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the SBPA, said: “We broadly welcome the amended statement, but still continue to question why certain types of premises have more preferential trading hours than pubs, especially given that they are all licensed for the sale of alcohol.

“Why should any licensed premises have better trading hours simply because it allows dancing, or because it is a members club? We see no reason for denying trading hours to pubs that simply wish to provide a relaxed environment for the consumption of alcohol late in the evening without the provision of “activities” in catering to customer demand, consistent of course with the licensing objectives.”

The SBPA however expressed its support for the Board’s conclusion that there was no “overprovision” of licensed premises within its area.

In its response to the consultation on the policy, it commented: “We would highlight, according to figures from the Board itself and the Scottish Government that between December 2007 and 2010 the number of licences to sell alcohol in force in the area of the Board fell to 374, a reduction of 16% in the overall number of drinks licences. This compares to a fall of 14% in the number of drinks licences across Scotland as a whole over the period.”