A popular Inverurie bar has been given the go-ahead to start operating from refurbished upper floors as it seeks to pack in more punters.
The owners of The Drouthy Laird have also been granted permission to open until 2am, despite fears noisy revellers will disturb surrounding residents.
Laird Parker, along with wife and business partner Lesley, opened the much-loved Inverurie bar on Blackhall Road in 2017.
It started out with just a bar, restaurant and function room all on the ground floor.
But the couple bought the upper three floors of the building back in 2021 and unveiled their plans to extend the business.
Planning permission was granted that year, and they have now convinced council licensing chiefs to rubber-stamp the major changes.
They will add two additional function rooms on the first floor, allowing the business to provide private space for events as well as a public wine bar.
And patrons will now be able to drink in a new outdoor seating area too.
Meanwhile, Laird revealed they are hoping to add bed and breakfast accommodation later in the year.
Soon The Drouthy Laird will have maximum capacity for a whopping 781 people, up from the current 500.
Customer demand led to changes at Drouthy Laird
Laird and Lesley needed to amend their licence to proceed with the changes.
As a result of the hearing, The Drouthy Laird will be allowed to operate until 2am on Friday and Saturday – but only if there are events on in the function rooms.
Meanwhile, Laird said the idea for the external space came following the pandemic.
He explained: “After Covid, we realised it’s important to add a safe seating area for those who feel more comfortable outside.”
And could noisy customers cause a nuisance?
Laird was aware there may be concerns about noise as the pub is located in a residential area.
But he addressed this by saying the pub would employ door staff who would encourage people to leave “quickly and quietly”.
The business owner also argued that the 2am closing time was needed due to customer demand.
“They do enjoy the space in our functions and the bar, and they want to stay there rather than anywhere else in Inverurie,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the bar would not let any new patrons enter after midnight if the later closing time was approved.
Were there any arguments against the changes?
But the request received some opposition from the council’s licensing standards team.
They believed that the extending closing hours only on certain weekends could cause confusion with revellers.
Licensing officer Lisa Godini was concerned that there would be “no consistency” in place, adding: “Neither customers or Police Scotland know what is happening from weekend to weekend”.
Ms Godini also said the later hours needed to be predetermined in advance, with police made aware.
She added: “I do not feel that it is appropriate for the owners to decide on the day that the premises will open beyond 1am.
“Deciding on the day creates unnecessary pressure on emergency services as well as confusion for customers.”
Licensing officers asked that no alcohol be consumed in the outdoor area after 10pm and suggested it be staffed by stewards in a bid to keep noise levels down.
What did police say?
Police Scotland also raised some concern about the outdoor area but were happy for it to go ahead if it met additional criteria.
They asked for barriers to be put in place, drinking in the area to stop at 10pm and clear signage be installed.
Police also stressed that no music be played outside to prevent further disruption to neighbouring properties.
What did the Licensing Board have to say about it?
The application went before Aberdeenshire Council’s Licensing Board recently.
Councillor Jeff Goodhall said he loved the bar’s “entrepreneurial views” and liked what the owners were trying to do, but he was not in favour of the 2am closure.
However, councillor Mel Sullivan said the proposal was “sensible” and had no problem with the idea if the venue gave a week’s notice to police and customers.
The licence was then unanimously approved by board members.
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