Leith pub stripped of takeaway alcohol licence due to anti-social behaviour during Covid-19 lockdown
The decision to vary the licence in order to prevent public nuisance was made by the Licensing Board on August 6.
Footage taken earlier outside the Easter Road boozer showed a crowd of people drinking take-away pints and sitting in groups.
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Hide AdThe resident who filmed them said she was given abuse for catching some of the behaviour on camera.
Police Scotland submitted an application to review its premise licence after complaints from neighbours about customers loitering after purchases of off-sales alcohol, consuming it outside the pub and not adhering to physical distancing guidelines.
Following consideration, it was agreed that the licence would be varied to remove off-sales, meaning the pub will no longer be able to sell alcohol to take away.
The Iona retains its on-trade licence, allowing customers to eat and drink inside while following guidelines.
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Hide AdLicensing regulations have been relaxed to support businesses to operate in different ways during the COVID-19 lockdown, one of which has been to permit pubs and bars to operate off-sales, giving them the ability to sell bottles of beer, wine and other alcohol for consumption off the premises.
Cllr Norman Work, Licensing Board Convenor, said: “There is no doubt that the lockdown has been difficult for hospitality businesses, however, we expect all licence holders to operate their premises responsibly.
"We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour within communities and we will take action against establishments seen to be abusing the licensing regulations.”
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