Dundee City Council licensing board convener Rod Wallace claims a sheriff “got it wrong” by overturning the council’s ban on a pub’s discount drink scheme.
He confirmed the council has given up the fight to have the ban imposed and admitted they would not contest the sheriff’s decision because of the costs involved and the effect on resources.
Speaking after yesterday’s licensing board meeting at the city chambers, Councillor Wallace said, “We still think we got it right and the sheriff got it wrong but that’s just what we think.
“We’re not going to challenge the ruling or attempt to circumvent it it’s the finding and we’ll abide with that.”
The council took action against the Nether Inn in March after deciding its Yellow Card scheme encouraged binge drinking and contravened licensing laws governing changes in the prices of products.
The scheme offered cardholders discounts on pints, spirits and mixers.
Pub operators Mitchells and Butlers Retail Ltd felt the law was “ambiguous” and challenged the council’s decision.
It went before Sheriff Principal Alastair Dunlop who said the council misinterpreted the wording of the legislation and overturned the censure.
Mr Wallace said, “It caused quite a stooshie at the time the whole of Scotland was watching with bated breath to see what would happen.
“We recognise that the sheriff has spoken and we will adhere to that.”