Councillors will tomorrow consider whether to grant a licence for a controversial new seafront eaterie.
LJ Restaurants want to sell alcohol until 1am, seven-days-a-week at the Sun Dancer Bar and Restaurant at Nairn.
It also wants permission for off sales until 10pm at the premises in Harbour Street, Fishertown.
The firm plans to make the premises available for functions and have an outdoor terrace area overlooking the Moray Firth.
Eight objections have been received in response to the licence application.
Concerns include the noise impact on neighbours, the possibility of antisocial behaviour in the area and the safety risk of a late-opening establishment next to a beach and harbour.
In its written objection, Nairn River Community Council also claims there has been a shift in emphasis in the company’s business plan, from restaurant to bar venue, since the original application was granted in November 2014.
Nairn resident and objector Brian Stewart, of Albert Street, said: “What started off as a proposal to run a restaurant in place of an old building has very rapidly evolved.
“People would like to see it work well but a number of people are not at all clear exactly what this operation might end up being.
“My concerns are that this is placed in an area subject to a no public drinking by-law. There is an issue in terms of the potential impact of off sales and a public safety impact given that it’s adjacent to a harbour that’s not fenced off.”
Yesterday, owner Michael Jack, who plans to run the business with his wife and son, said that a meeting held last week had “allayed a lot of residents’ concerns” about the licence focus being on a bar.
He added: “It has always been a restaurant and the whole town has got a 1am licence and this is just part of the application.
“We feel there are a lack of restaurants in the town and this is a major development for the area overlooking the seafront and harbour and a major attraction for tourists and everyone who lives here.”
The Sun Dancer Bar and Restaurant is still under construction on the site of the former Sandancer amusement arcade building.
The premises will be on two levels, with a 105-seat restaurant, bar and lounge, terrace and private function room on top and a cafe downstairs.
The owners plan to open the Sun Dancer in May if the licence is granted.
