New pub ban set to be extended

Patrick Browe says the plan is misguided

City licensing chiefs have drawn up plans that could lead to a ban on new pubs and clubs in busy areas including George Street, Picardy Place, Lothian Road, Princes Street and the centre of Leith.

Any ban could also affect restaurants and off-licences although it is thought they would be more likely to be exempted.

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Council chiefs are now asking health bosses for more in-depth figures on the impact of pubs and clubs in each area before deciding whether to oppose any new premises.

News of the proposals came as the city's licensing board rubber-stamped its new licensing policy, which has seen a continuation of the cap on new premises on the Grassmarket/Cowgate and surrounding areas, as well as in parts of Tollcross and Lauriston.

The decision came despite drinks industry leaders saying there was no evidence to back up the claims of over provision.

The new areas that could be labelled as having an over provision of drinking establishments have been chosen following consultation with police, health experts and licensing standards officers.

Councillor Marjorie Thomas, the city's licensing leader, said: "It is early days but we have identified areas that we think there might be an over provision. We will ask partners, such as police, licensing standards officers and the NHS, to get the facts about these areas.

"These areas have been identified in the past by police officers and others but we still have some work to do. Health statistics will come into it and we are trying to get more in-depth information from the NHS. One stat said that more people in Leith die of liver damage than any other area and this is the type of information we need before making a decision."

Areas already judged to have an over provision of licensed premises, where there is a "presumption against" new consents, include Grassmarket, Cowgate, George IV Bridge, West Bow. West Port, Candlemaker Row, Blair Street, Niddry Street, Victoria Street, Blackfriars Street, Forrest Road, Teviot Place and Bristo Place.

The statement of licensing policy, published today, said: "The board has a particular concern about large drinking establishments, which are used primarily for the sale and consumption of alcohol and provide little or no seating."

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, vowed to fight plans to extend the cap. He said: "We would be concerned about the conclusions they have reached given that they have singled out the traditional bars as being the cause of over provision when premises like hotels have much larger capacities."

The proposals are likely to face opposition from some members of the licensing board. Councillor Eric Barry, a board member, said: "It is a good idea to have a lot of premises in one area so we can concentrate public transport and policing there.

"I do not think it is down to the number of drinking establishments, it is down to the control of the public in terms of stewarding, policing and cleansing."