A HELENSBURGH bar's bid to extend the opening times for its beer garden hangs in the balance – after a dramatic change in a vote among councillors.
The bid by the Clyde Bar to keep the outdoor drinking area open until 10pm, instead of 9pm, looked to have succeeded after an initial vote among members of Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee on Wednesday.
Four members, including chair Councillor David Kinniburgh, voted in favour of the plans.
A further four voted to continue the process to the committee’s next meeting for further investigations, while Councillors Graham Hardie and Sandy Taylor voted for a temporary approval.
It was initially thought that as chair, Councillor Kinniburgh had the casting vote, but a clerk then stated that a re-vote would have to be taken, with the ‘temporary approval’ option removed as it had the fewest votes.
READ MORE: Helensburgh pub's neighbours slam 'unbearable' beer garden extension plan
Councillors Hardie and Taylor then voted to continue consideration of the bar’s application until the committee’s next meeting, meaning that carried the day by a 6-4 margin.
Helensburgh councillors Richard Trail and Lorna Douglas temporarily left the meeting for the duration of the item, having declared an interest.
The amendment to continue was proposed by Councillor Rory Colville, seconded by Councillor Jean Moffat.
Councillor Moffat said: “This bar has constantly had complaints made against it, about noise in particular. I would suggest that the lack of complaints recently has simply been because of lockdown.
LATEST HEADLINES: Police plea spate of graffiti vandalism near Helensburgh Rugby Club's grounds
“I am very sympathetic to the landlords trying to make a living, but I would be reluctant to add any extension of hours.”
It was then established that even if the bar succeeded in extending the beer garden’s hours, a separate application would have to go before the Argyll and Bute licensing board to allow alcohol to be consumed in the beer garden during the extended time.
The plans attracted 12 objections from members of the public, which Councillor Colville remarked was not a huge number.
But he added: “It is representative of the area.
LATEST HEADLINES: PS Waverley to return to Clyde cruising this week – for the first time since 2018
“I would be either moving a motion to refuse on the basis of these objections, or move continuation to find a competent motion.”
Responding to Councillor Taylor’s suggestion of granting the extension temporarily, Councillor Kinniburgh said: “If we did that, that would imply that we are minded to grant the licensing part.”
The PPSL committee’s next meeting is expected to be on Wednesday, September 23, while the licensing board is due to meet on Tuesday, September 8.
Councillor Kinniburgh said he was “not aware” of any current licensing application by the bar.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here