Fruit machine bid rejected

PUB giant JD Wetherspoon has failed in a bid to become the first in Edinburgh to have more than two fruit machines in its pubs.

The firm wanted to install a third gambling machine in its three Edinburgh pubs, but licensing leaders refused because of fears it would encourage gambling.

The pub chain argued that because The Standing Order, on George Street, has a capacity of 850 two machines were not enough when it was busy.

Councillor Eric Barry said that "gambling and alcohol do not go together" and a motion to reject the proposal was unanimously agreed.