A Fife venue has been granted a licence which will allow it to host events such as whisky and gin festivals.
Bosses at the Adam Smith Theatre said the variation, to permit off-sales facilities, would bring additional income to Fife Cultural Trust, which would in turn support free services including the region’s libraries and galleries.
A whisky festival at the Kirkcaldy theatre last month had to be cancelled due to “logistical reasons”.
The trust had applied for the licence variation in May but it was only granted by Fife licensing board this week.
James Marshall, of the trust, said: “The reason we applied for an off-sales licence is to allow us to attract more events to the Adam Smith Theatre.
“There is a market for whisky festivals, gin festivals, wine festivals.
“We are encouraging the use of these beautiful buildings we have.
“These [events] would fill the gaps when we don’t have shows on to allow us to generate some income and take the pressure off the public purse.”
Assurances were given that festivals would not conflict with theatre shows and pantomimes and that any such events would only be hosted during gaps in the programme.
The Scotch Whisky Festival, for which tickets were sold for £45, would have included tastings and masterclasses.
Whisky lovers would have been able to buy specialist malts not widely available in shops and supermarkets.
When organiser Spirits By Post announced the cancellation, it said it hoped to work with the theatre in the future.
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The trust said it hoped the festival would be held next year.
Kirkcaldy West Community Council had objected to the licence being granted.
Chairman David Henderson said he was “bamboozled” and “uncomfortable” with the idea.
He said: “There is a conflict between culture and commerce and this is a commercial activity.
“There are licensed premises elsewhere in the town with facilities.
“I think it’s an inappropriate activity for a building run for the people.”
However, in accordance with fellow board members, Councillor David MacDiarmid supported the application, saying: “Whisky is part of Scotland’s culture.”
