16 July 2008 Aberdeen Nightclubs Consider Action Over Curfew Proposals

16 July 2008

Aberdeen Nightclubs Consider Action Over Curfew Proposals

UPFRONT, news, night online, COMMENTS

Nightclub owners in Aberdeen will consider legal action against the city’s licensing board if a planned curfew on entry to clubs goes ahead next year. Licence holders, representing 32 clubs, have met to discuss the scheme, which, when implemented, would mean nightclubs would have to shut their doors to any new drinkers at 12.30am.

The group have appealed to the licensing board to review the proposal and claim they may take legal action against the board if this is not done. The scheme is set to take effect from September 2009, beginning with a trial period to monitor the success of the curfew.

Operator Mike Wilson, licensee of the Pearl Lounge, Dee Street, told a local newspaper: “I am behind any legal action. This will cause a great deal of damage to the reputation and the appeal of the city.

“A curfew implies that Aberdeen has a severe problem with its conduct.

“The licensing board has done no research whatsoever – when they had a similar trial in Edinburgh, it led to nothing but violence. They should not even be doing a trial run, it shows they do not know what to expect.”

George Wyatt of the Aberdeen Licensed Trade Association, said: “If it comes to court action then we are behind them 100%. We have to show a united front. We don’t want a battle with the board, just a bit of common sense.”

The licensing board has emphasised that when the curfew is put in place, it will be subject to review.

From: Night Online

Subscribe to NIGHT magazine