An annual Scottish country dancing shindig fell foul of licensing laws after police said its all-inclusive ticket promoted “irresponsible” drinking.
Donside Ball organisers said nearly three times as many soft drinks would be sold on the night later this month at Harthill Castle, near Oyne.
But police said the offer of £62-a-ticket with unlimited alcoholic drinks was not permitted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.
The committee was granted a licence after it offered to restrict the maximum number of alcoholic drinks to six per person.
Committee member David Fyffe, of Netherton Farmhouse, Fetternear, Kemnay, said the average amount of alcohol consumed by each person at the event in the last four years was 4.7 drinks – compared with 15 soft drinks. “Most of the drinks served are soft drinks,” he said. “Highland dancing is really thirsty work, most people are just trying to rehydrate.”
“I wasn’t entirely shocked (by the police’s objection) because I went and did the training for my own personal licence so we could manage and run the event ourselves.
“The purpose of the law is to stop binge-drinking which was, of course, mainly happening in pubs and clubs in urban city centres.
“It didn’t apply to ourselves but Grampian Police were concerned because it included alcoholic drinks in the price of the ticket. They were implying that the law could see that as irresponsible.
“We gave a statement to the licensing board saying that we wholeheartedly support the law.”
Mr Fyffe said that the committee was happy with the outcome, and people attending the event on Saturday, August 27 will have their tickets stamped each time they order an alcoholic drink.
A similar arrangement has been put in place for the Aboyne Ball.
Licensing board chairwoman councillor Joanna Strathdee said she was pleased the event was granted a licence.