Pubs and clubs in Fife have been given an early Christmas present after the licensing board agreed to extend operating hours over the festive period.
Members of the board agreed to the extension, saying that it will provide a significant shot in the arm to the beleaguered licensed trade.
It means on-sales in pubs and clubs can continue until 1am of every day over the festive period in a boost worth potentially thousands of pounds to some businesses.
Licensing board chairman Bob Young said: “The licensed trade is going through a tough time and when one place shuts that means that people are out of jobs.
“We don’t want people getting put out of jobs. We got a police report saying that there is increase in acts of violence in big towns like Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline, but they assure us that they can handle it.”
The granting of yesterday’s extension is not surprising and has been practised throughout Fife for a number of years.
The proposals continue to receive a lukewarm response from police, however, who last year noted an increase in the number of crimes and offences committed while opening hours were extended.
Head of licensing Dougie Saunders said while there was no objection as such to granting longer trading hours for bars and clubs, further extensions would not be supported by the force.
He said: “What is significant is that reports of crimes, violence, disturbances and public nuisance are notable within the town centres related to the late-night economy and licensed hours.
“With current late-night venues closing between 1am and 3am, calls are received between 1am and 4am. With any increase in terminal hours there is potential to extend these types of incidents further into the night.
“The chief constable does not object to the current proposals as stated by Fife Licensing Board, but would have serious reservations if the hours were extended further.”
The longer hours will be effective from Monday December 2 to Thursday January 2.