Bar owners support midnight curfew
EVEN if renewed efforts to drop Inverness’s controversial midnight club curfew are successful it may be ignored by licensees.
It emerged this week the 32 members of Inverness Pubwatch — a scheme where city licensed premises work together to act against problems like drugs and violence in their venues — would still enforce the restriction voluntarily if it is withdrawn.
The curfew bars revellers from entering the city’s larger pubs and clubsafter midnight.
Police insist the policy protects the public by ensuring people are corralled within a controlled environment and say it also makes it easier to schedule officers’ meal breaks.
Highland Local Licensing Forum chairwoman Pat Hayden revealed her hopes That councillors elected next month would review the restriction. But in a letter to the Inverness Courier, Pubwatch chairman Jason Macleod says licensees will enforce a curfew whatever the decision.
"We agree with the police that any relaxation in the curfew will lead to increased anti-social behaviour and potential crime, both of which are anything but beneficial to our consumers," said Mr MacLeod.
"Those 1am licensees who could benefit from the withdrawal of the curfew see the merit of retaining it to ensure their customers have a safe and enjoyable night out – not be deterred by the antics of a minority.
"They are putting customer safety and satisfaction before a potential increase in their own income."
It comes as Highland Licensing Board — which has the power to change the curfew — relaxed the restriction for an invitation-only event at the Ironworks, in Academy Street over 6th and 7th June for the after-party of the Creative Industries Festival.
See Friday's edition of The Inverness Courier to read Mr MacLeod's letter.
