Nightclub owners hit out over curfew

NIGHTCLUB owners in Aberdeen will consider legal action against the city’s licensing board if a planned curfew on entry to clubs goes ahead.

Licence holders, representing 32 city clubs, have met to discuss the scheme, which, when implemented, would mean nightclubs would have to shut their doors to any new drinkers at 12.30am.

Club owners have appealed for the licensing board to review the proposal and claim they may take legal action against the board if this is not done. The scheme is set to take effect from September next year, beginning with a trial period to monitor the success of the curfew.

It is hoped the curfew will lead to less violence in the city centre at weekends.

Mike Wilson, who is the licensee at the Pearl Lounge, Dee Street, said: “I am behind any legal action. This will cause a great deal of damage to the reputation and the appeal of the city.

“A curfew implies that Aberdeen has a severe problem with its conduct.

“The licensing board has done no research whatsoever – when they had a similar trial in Edinburgh, it led to nothing but violence. They should not even be doing a trial run, it shows they do not know what to expect.”

The Aberdeen Licensed Trade Association, which represent pubs in the city, is fully backing nightclub owners.

Chairman George Wyatt said: “If it comes to court action then we are behind them 100%. We have to show a united front. We don’t want a battle with the board, just a bit of common sense.”

The licensing board has emphasised that when the curfew is put in place, it will be subject to review.

Licensing board convener Muriel Jaffrey said: “This is not going to be coming into force until next year and a lot can change before then.

“The scheme will definitely be going ahead for at least the trial period. However, if the scheme is found to be failing it will certainly be reviewed.

“We want to benefit the city, not act to its detriment.

“The licensing board is not making these decisions without looking at the situation.

“We have been out on the streets with police from midnight until 3am and we are aware of what is happening in the city.”

A similar trial held in Edinburgh 10 years ago was abandoned after 18 months.