New rules could be brought in for pubs across Moray to help curb antisocial behaviour and bring a boost to the local economy.
Revellers are currently banned from entering bars and clubs selling alcohol in the region after 12:30am.
However, the curfew could soon be scrapped because it causes problems for doormen refusing entry to people who have been drinking.
Draft proposals drawn up by Moray Council’s Licensing Board states that members decided that “the curfew is no longer an effective and proportionate means of promoting licensing objectives and such a condition should not automatically be attached to any premises licence.”
Chairman of the licensing board committee, George Cowie, said the changes have been proposed on the back of feedback from local pubs.
He said: “The whole thing comes from people arriving five minutes late, being refused entry and then causing a nuisance in the streets,” he said.
“This causes unneccesary hassle for door men and bar staff and causes grief to anyone involved. The new legislation, if its passed, will mean they will be allowed in.”
If the legislation is approved, it will be put in place as licences come up to be renewed.
A further change hightlighted would scrap the licensing law banning chidren from being allowed in pubs for food after 8pm. There will be a two hour extension if the new rule is approved allowing youngsters in establishments until 10pm instead.
Mr Cowie said the move could help boost tourism in the area.
He said: “When you are down south, families can get kids meals during anytime but when visitors come up here they can’t.
“We received feedback from publicans and hoteliers telling us that they find it difficult to tell them that they can’t serve them while they have kids with them.
“Obviously these plans are just in a draft form right now, and will be discussed at a meeting next week where we will come up with a time to make a final decision on these changes.”
Moray Council are looking for feedback on the plans from anyone involved in the alcohol business, with the draft legislation available to view on its website.
Opinions about the proposals can be e-mailed to licensingconsult@moray.gov.uk.