Paisley licensees fear competition from leisure complex

Licensees in Paisley, near Glasgow, fear plans for a new leisure development could force existing licensees out of business.

The million pound town centre project, called Suburbia, will include a Scottish theme pub, a pre-club bar and a bar/restaurant.

However, one licensee, who declined to be named, said there was "no need" for more on-licences in the area and warned that it was already over-saturated with pubs and bars and could not support any new premises.

"The town is saturated by licensed premises, if there are any more we will be forced out of business," he said. "There are only so many people going to come to Paisley for a night out and there is only so much money people can spend in the town."

His views have been echoed by other licensees in Scotland, many of whom want the number of new licences restricted.

But Suburbia's owner, publican John Codona, insisted the new complex would attract more trade to the area.

Planners and licensing chiefs at Renfrewshire Council have approved the complex which is expected to open on September 18.

Pictured: Artist's impression of Suburbia​