Plans to transform an historic Aberdeen church into a bar and restaurant could move forward next week – with a bid made for a drinks licence.
Greyfriars Church on Broad Street has lain empty since 2011.
But last year, hospitality giant G1 was granted permission to convert the A-listed building into a high-end bar and restaurant.
Next Tuesday, the firm will ask councillors to grant them a licence to sell alcohol and host parties in the former church.
But health chiefs have objected to the application as they would potentially be selling drinks for 15 hours on the weekends.
A letter from NHS Grampian’s Dr Tara Shivaji reads: “When consideration is given to the health harms caused by alcohol for Aberdeen City Council residents, I would request that this application for trading in excess of the reasonable 14 hours is not granted.”
The owners have previously indicated that they plan to clean the faded granite building to the same standard as neighbouring Marischal College.
Also being discussed at the meeting is Brewdog on Union Street’s plans to vary its licence to allow outdoor drinking, and for children to be allowed in until 10pm.
Last year, the bar was granted permission to place tables and chairs on Union Street.
Council officers had recommended the proposals for approval, pointing to precedents set at nearby Archibald Simpson, The Wig and Blackfriars, which all have outdoor seating areas.
But concerns were raised by both councillors and the city’s Disability Equity Partnership against the plans, amid concerns both those in wheelchairs and walkers would struggle to get past safely. Councillors, however, voted for the plan by 11 votes to five.
Now the bar must get past the next hurdle – being granted a licence.
Council rules state that “applicants, who propose to provide outdoor areas, should ensure that their use will not cause disturbance or nuisance to the occupiers of other premises in the vicinity.”
Neither G1 or Brewdog responded to repeated requests for comment yesterday.
