THE FUTURE of a popular Angus business is hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial licence review by the local authority.
Neil Elford, owner of Pie Bob’s Bakery in Arbroath, said his business could go under if Angus Council’s civic licensing committee does not renew his late hours operating licence on an annual basis, as opposed to a six-month temporary contract.
Pressure from Police Scotland saw the shop almost close completely last year after it objected to the late hours licence because of the number of incidents of disorder the force linked to the premises.
Police look set to object again when the licence is reviewed in two weeks’ time an outcome which could put the future of the food hot spot in jeopardy, according to Mr Elford.
He said: “In the last six months there has been virtually no trouble here at all.
“We have clamped down as much as we can and we have met with the new police task force aimed at disrupting drunken and disorderly behaviour in a bid to get the confidence and trust back between the licence holder and the police.
“We are meeting regularly and trying to build bridges.”
The Grant Road bakery was officially reopened yesterday following a £60,000 refurbishment, despite the uncertainty over its future.
The old blue advertising boards which covered the front of the shop have been replaced by clear glass patio-style doors and the interior has also received a major facelift.
“The full revamp was supposed to happen 18 months ago but because of the grief and unrest I have held it back,” Mr Elford added. “I eventually had to make a decision to go ahead, whether I knew what the licensing committee were going to do or not.
“However, you can’t plan or run a business or move forward on a six-month basis. This needs to move forward and the business needs support.”
MSP Alex Johnstone was at the bakery to help cut the ribbon for its official reopening yesterday and said some local bodies had handled the situation poorly.
“I think in general terms, there are a number of people involved in this process who have their priorities wrong,” Mr Johnstone said.
“This shop is not the cause of the trouble.
“This is a responsible business owner conducting a traditional business and we need to support that at every level locally.
“I think there is nothing but positives about this shop and any attempts to associate difficulties in the area with this shop, I think, are misplaced.
“We need to give the support that a small, local and traditional business like this deserves.”
Police Scotland declined to comment ahead of the meeting.
mdalziel@thecourier.co.uk