Edinburgh Licensing Board refuses more pub licences

The Grassmarket and Cowgate have too many bars, making the approval of new venues in the area unlikely, according to the board which approves licenses.

The Edinburgh Licensing Board appears to be acknowledging the concerns of local residents and politicians, who have said residents in the area need more protection from anti-social behaviour. 

But the conclusions have been challenged by The Scottish Beer and Pub association (SBPA), which says that the Board has not proven claims.

The Grassmarket Resident's Association has claimed that the evening economy in the area is having "a detrimental effect on the lives of local residents, the wider community and the city's reputation". 40 per cent of Edinburgh's bars and clubs are based in the city centre ward, the highest concentration in Britain with the exception of two wars in London. 

Ruairi Hatrick, co-owner of the bar Under the Stairs, said: “In my opinion any new establishment opening in this area should be examined individually to see what they would have to offer. The Grassmarket and Cowgate area definitely lacks something. The area needs nicer bars and restaurants, maybe some that offered folk and live music as a change to the norm.”

Edinburgh City Council has previously heard from residents who say that the area is primarily residential. They have called for further regulation, including community based campaigns against anti-social behaviour and a clampdown on party buses.

Kirsten Macdonald, a resident of Cowgate, commented on the area during sociable hours. She said: “I wouldn’t really want more bars in Cowgate, it gets really noisy at night. The clubs are also really cheap so they attract quite a lot of trouble.”

There is currently a consultation underway, looking into the new revised policy. The deadline is set for Friday 15 October and the Board will consider the final draft policy at the end of the month. The consultation will enable the councilors of the Licensing Board to make the final decision, using the policy as a guideline.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Council: “The Board invites comments, such as from NHS (hospitals and ambulance service), police, residents associations, ward councilors, trade bodies etc., and then considers those views in reaching its decision.”