Three Inverness takeaways will open into the small hours despite police fears about increased anti-social behaviour.
McDonald’s on High Street and Topkapi on Baron Taylor Street were both given permission to stay open until 3.30am between Thursday and Sunday, 30 minutes later than their current closing time.
Zoom takeaway, also on Baron Taylor Street, was allowed by Highland Council’s licensing committee to stay open a full hour longer, until 4am on the same days.
The takeaways have also been granted permission to stay open even later during the festive season and trade 30 minutes after pubs and nightclubs close at 4am.
Police objected to the proposals at yesterday’s meeting on grounds that it would make it harder to prevent crime and disorder.
Chief Inspector Mairi MacInnes said: “Late hour catering establishments can become a focal point for disorder if attended by large numbers of people in an intoxicated state, which is what would happen if they were permitted to remain open beyond terminal hour of liquor licensed premises.”
Solicitor Graham Watson, representing all three outlets, said: “This will not lead to the number of intoxicated people on the streets increasing at that time of the day.
“If there are intoxicated people about then they will be there anyway.”
Councillors were split over the decision, with councillors Allan Henderson and Richard Greene arguing that the police fears should see the plan rejected.
Mr Henderson said: “We should listen to the police over this.
“Sometimes the public need protected from themselves and this is a good example of that.”
However, an amendment by committee chairwoman Maxine Smith won approval from a majority of members.
She said: “I think this is the kind of thing that we will only really know if it works if we try it.”
The later opening will be on trial for one year and then reconsidered.
Craig Duncan, owner of the McDonald’s franchise in Inverness, said that councillors had reached a “logical and sensible” decision.
He added: “There is a demand for our services at that time. People want what we were asking for and I’m really pleased with the decision.”
Enbiya Killic, of Topkapi, added: “We work hard to deliver our food, so we are quite happy to work extra hours.
“This will be good for business.”
Mohammed Afif, owner of Zoom, said he was “delighted” with the decision.