A PROVISIONAL premises licence has been granted for a café and farm shop on Mull, despite the objection of a nearby hotelier.

The Glenforsa Farm and Café Shop’s application for its Salen site was met with the opposition of Brendan Walsh, who owns the neighbouring Glenforsa Hotel.

Mr Walsh said he was concerned that the application was for a cafe when he feared it was more likely to be operated as a restaurant and events space – something he said would threaten his existing operation.

But despite lengthy debate on the nature of the business, councillors from across Argyll and Bute decided there was no reason to refuse the provisional licence.

The discussion took place at the meeting of the Argyll and Bute licensing board on Tuesday, February 27.

Mr Walsh told the board: “The business has operated since 1960. My wife and I purchased the hotel in 2003 after it was closed following a decade of neglect.

“We have taken no notable profit out of the hotel, because we want to transform it into a local venue that employs local staff.

“We have achieved a lot in 20 years, despite the negative effects of Brexit and Covid, and have made many sacrifices to keep the business going.

“The hotel only has 14 rooms, so we rely on the trade from the bar and the restaurant, without which we would be unviable.

“We now face the prospect of a development next door to our business, which despite being granted planning permission for a farm shop and café, is clearly planning to be a restaurant and event space in direct competition.

“We now understand they are planning to hold outdoor events and operate an outdoor restaurant and bar until 11pm.”

Solicitor Archie MacIver, speaking on behalf of applicant India Radford, said: “Trust me when I say it, I am not being flippant. One of the best-known restaurants in London is the River Café, which is nothing at all like what is being proposed here.

“It shows how a name can be used in different ways.”

Mr MacIver then said: “I hope I do not come across as blunt here, but it is not the role of the licensing board to consider business viability, such as protecting businesses.

“Mr Walsh’s objection is quote frankly based on the protection of his own business. He is concerned that this will affect his business adversely.

“The applicant is of the view that this is based on a misconception. It would not be in competition with his business, but would in fact augment it.

“It would give locals an element of choice, would give visitors a choice, and you have to factor in the campsite, which is very popular during the season.”

Councillor Graham Hardie (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh Central) said: “On everybody’s evidence, I am concerned that we are granting a licence for a café when it should be for a restaurant.

“But there is nothing that stops us from granting it, as we have been told by the licensing standards officer, so I would move that we grant the licence.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) seconded the motion to approve, which was then unanimously agreed.