By Dave Lord

PATRONS WHO enjoy standing at the bar while they sup their favourite tipple face an uncertain future thanks to “bizarre and draconian” regulations drawn up by Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing board.

The local authority also hopes to call time on those who enjoy a pint with their sandwich— although those enjoying a more substantial lunch would be allowed wash it down with an alcoholic beverage.

In addition the board is calling on licensees to take more responsibility for “smoke drift” caused by those puffing outside their premises.

The measures are among a whole package of potential reforms drawn up by the board in an attempt to crack down on excessive drinking and anti- social behaviour.

Included are plans to tightly regulate what the board terms “vertical drinking”, where those enjoying a drink stand at the bar rather than sit down.

“The licensing board is concerned about vertical drinking establishments,” a consultation document featured on Perth and Kinross Council’s website states.

“Particular attention will be paid to any applications for a premises’ licence where large numbers of patrons will be provided...only with standing accommodation.”

Those looking for an outdoor drink in one of Perth’s many pavement cafes will also be stopped from enjoying a tipple—unless it is accompanying a meal other than a sandwich.

“Premises which incorporate a pavement cafe will only serve alcohol in the outside area if this is ancillary to a table meal,” the consultation document states.

The board gives a helpful description of exactly what a meal is—and outlaws the consumption of booze if it is alongside a lowly sandwich.

“A table meal consists of a meal eaten by a person sitting at a table, counter or other structure which serves the purpose of a table... sandwiches are not considered to constitute table meals,” the document adds.

Although licensees can hardly be held responsible for whatever direction the wind is blowing, the consultation document states they should be aware of the potential for “smoke drift.”

“Licensees have been effective in ensuring patrons do not smoke within their premises but other issues can arise in the area around the premises such as noise nuisance, litter, disorder and smoke drift into neighbouring residences,” it says.

“Licensees and staff are expected to have sufficient measures in place to prevent such problems arising.”

The board is also suggesting pubs and clubs have regulations placed on the number of drinks they can sell just before closing time.

“Many occurrences of crime, disorder and public nuisance occur at or immediately after the terminal hour for the supply of alcohol,” it said.

“Licensees should ensure they and their staff have sufficient measures in place to ensure patrons exit the premises as quickly as possible... measures may include limiting the amount of alcohol sold just before the terminal hour.”

The proposed changes received a hot reception from drinkers in Perth bars yesterday.

“I work in my car and have a bad back so when I do get in to a pub I prefer to stand at the bar,” said one. “These regulations are totally bizarre and I cannot see them going down well.”

Another said, “This is further evidence of the nanny state we live in—it is totally draconian to tell us where we can and cannot drink.

“If I want to sit outside a cafe, on tables and chairs provided by the establishment, I should be allowed to enjoy a sandwich and a pint.”

One licence holder said he was “fed up” of rules and regulations. “We have managed to stop people smoking inside and now we are expected to keep an eye on which way the wind is blowing outside—it is absurd.”

The licensing board insists the measures will help in its stated aims to prevent crime and disorder, secure public safety, prevent public nuisance, protect and improve public health and protect children from harm.