Police and health chiefs have objected to an Aberdeen nightclub’s plans to extend its opening hours.
Bosses at Redemption in Belmont Street have applied to the city council’s licensing board asking for later opening on Fridays and Saturdays.
Last year – when the club was still known as the Priory – the local authority rejected its application to operate beyond 3am.
But now the popular nightspot has submitted fresh proposals to open until 4am and they will be discussed by the city’s licensing board next week.
In a letter to the board, Chief Constable Phil Gormley highlights the force’s concerns that the plan could lead to nearly 1,000 people spilling out on to the street at 4am.
Mr Gormley said this would cause additional strain on the emergency services, public transport, and the taxi trade.
He added: “Were the board to grant this application, it would set a precedent and is likely to result in other, similar premises seeking similar variations to their own trading hours.”
Meanwhile, NHS Grampian has also objected to the proposals.
In a letter to the licensing board, public health consultant Dr Tara Shivaji said: “The proposed extension to the terminal hour means that patrons would be leaving the premises during a period that support services have started to stand down.
“Street pastors, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, taxi marshals etc, all contribute to the safety of those enjoying the late night economy.
“We believe that the actions of these agencies reduce the number of people who are admitted to hospital having experienced harm as a result of alcohol.”
She also said the move would have a detrimental impact on public health.
But the club has argued it is the only establishment which has applied to stay open later.
Grant Wiseman, operations manager, said: “We’ve spoken to people and many of them would like the option of staying out later.
“I disagree that the town shuts down at 3am, Gala Casino is a very busy place on a Saturday night and most of those people are not there to gamble.
“Why not have those people staying on in the club for another hour instead?”
The licensing board meets on Tuesday.
