The owner of a famous Scottish chip shop chain has accused Perth council chiefs of not doing enough to support small businesses.
Angelo Varese, who runs the celebrity-endorsed Blue Lagoon empire, urged the local authority to be “more proactive” after winning a year-long licensing battle.
The Glasgow businessman secured a bid to extend opening times at his High Street restaurant, after they were first refused by officials in 2019.
The council, which over the last few weeks has awarded more than £35 million to local firms hit by lockdown, last night mounted a robust defence against Mr Varese’s accusations.
The Blue Lagoon has been allowed to open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – albeit on a trial basis.
Mr Varese thanked officers for approving the new arrangement, but said the local authority still needed to be “more proactive” to support local businesses.
“This opening hours extension was granted one year after we originally opened and invested £750,000 at the site, while a number of units around us remained empty,” he said.
“Perth is a beautiful city, but if the powers-that-be really want to promote it as a city, then they have to be more proactive and do what other cities do: Mainly, encourage and assist businesses to open and help to thrive and succeed.”
He said: “The night time economy should be viewed as a major asset to a city, not a hindrance.”
Mr Varese said other Blue Lagoons in Glasgow, Stirling, Larges and Ayr trade beyond 11pm. “It has always been encouraged, not frowned upon,” he said.
The council has agreed the new hours as a “trial run” which will reviewed in March, next year.
In his report, a planning office spokesman said: “Ideally, a premise with office accommodation above would be better suited to late-night hot food takeaway use.
“This is not the case here, as residential premises are directly above the takeaway and restaurant.”
Environmental health officers said they had not received complaints about noise since the restaurant opened in 2019. However, the flat above the premises has been vacant for at least the last year.
“There are uncertainties with this proposal which include potential crowds associated with closing times and the occupation of the flat directly above,” the planning report notes.
Mr Varese’s Blue Lagoon made international headlines with pop singer Justin Bieber bought deep fried haggis and Irn Bru from a Glasgow branch.
A local authority spokeswoman responded: “Perth and Kinross Council has been providing immediate support to business through business grants and support to allow businesses to re-open safely and maximise the opportunities for trading within a challenging environment.
“The council recognises the importance of the evening economy to both residents and visitors to the area and is developing proposals for longer term support as part of economic recovery and renewal in discussion with the business community. However, we also recognise the need to balance our support for business with protecting residential amenity.”
