City councillors will meet this week to consider tightening restrictions on bars and pubs, and “taking back control” of beer tents.
A number of venues have set up temporary structures in recent weeks to accommodate more outside drinkers and diners.
The authority to approve the occasional licences needed for these was delegated from the Aberdeen licensing board to council officers.
And while all those granted permission did meet the licensing board’s policy statement, it has been suggested that more must be done to keep people safe.
It comes after pictures emerged of people not following the Scottish Government’s rules regarding social distancing.
Councillors are now looking to see whether they can regain control of these decisions so that they can apply additional scrutiny once local lockdown measures are lifted and premises can once again welcome customers.
SNP councillor Alex McLellan, who sits on the licensing board, said: “I am pleased the convener has agreed to call a meeting so that we can discuss what can be done to tighten restrictions in the city.
“Ultimately, people must act in a responsible manner when licensed premises re-open and we need to play our part by ensuring that there are adequate restrictions in place.
“We’ve currently got a number of premises operating into the early hours of the morning which is within their right to do so – but you really have to question how well folk will be following the rules around social distancing after midnight.”
Liberal Democrat Martin Greig said: “The licensing system needs to work vigorously to do its job of protecting vulnerable people from harm.
“Individuals can create dangers for others without appreciating that their actions are risky.
“The licensing system helps to reinforce basic messages to keep people safe.
“Expectations have to change for the foreseeable future.”
Last month council officers said they have only approved applications which met the licensing board’s policy statement.
And while changes to the rules have been proposed, it was suggested any major policy changes are held until the next major review.
Speaking at the licensing board meeting on July 28, council solicitor Sandy Munro said: “Even though a lot of these things have been granted under delegated powers, they have been because they comply with the board’s policy statement.”
