Cafe culture - 'It will take more than just talk to deliver'

THERE is no need for an official report on the "night-time economy" to tell us that Edinburgh is, among other things, a party city.

Just look around the streets at almost any hour of the day or night right now and you will see plenty of evidence.

What consultants SQW's report to the council does highlight, however, is the importance of busy pubs, clubs and so on to the city's economy.

Employing more than one in 10 of Edinburgh's workforce and generating 440 million, they are an invaluable source of jobs and public funds through taxes.

That does not come without a down side - as we all know some heavy drinkers can be noisy, messy and on occasion violent.

The idea of encouraging a Continental-style "cafe culture" in the Capital to help redress the balance is certainly appealing.

But it will take more than talk to deliver it, and SQW are right when they say what is commonplace in much of Europe remains the "Holy Grail" for Edinburgh.

It is a notion which has long been discussed yet change has been frustratingly slow and limited.

Our city councillors need to be bolder in addressing the issue.

Why not cut the forbidding cost of licences for putting tables and chairs outside cafes and restaurants? Why not let more of those tables and chairs stay out until 11pm in busy city centre locations, even if only on a trial basis in certain locations?

Unless our city leaders take a lead, we will still be talking wistfully about this in 10 years' time, instead of sipping our late-night lattes al fresco.

'Best of..' awards

THE votes have been counted and the lucky winners have their trophies and other prizes.

The inaugural Evening News "Best of . . ." awards were a terrific success, with scores of people and businesses nominated and no fewer than 14,000 votes cast.

The result was a moment of recognition for six worthy winners and 12 category finalists.

Congratulations to Davidson's Mains Post Office, L'Aurora chip ship, The Mercat Bar, Hearts fan Shirley Ruickbie, Hibs fan Kelly Tarbet and Community Champion Mohammed Liton.

Now let the positioning begin for the Best Of 2011 awards.