Plans to create an external drinking area at Dundee University Students’ Union (Dusa) have been given the green light.
Dundee City Council’s licensing board heard evidence for and against the development, with police strongly arguing against the extension of the venue’s licence to cover a queuing area outside the premises.
Police objected to Dusa’s plan to allow up to 200 students to drink in the street should the venue’s main nightclub become too busy.
They insisted that problems relating to noise and health and safety would likely arise if the development was to go ahead.
Sergeant Iain Bethway told councillors the force had genuine concerns that the risk of public disorder would increase should the motion be granted as it was unclear if the union had suitable security measures in place to deal with the proposed licence change.
Sgt Bethway said: “This proposal would allow patrons to consume alcohol in a queuing area. This could allow patrons to become more vulnerable.
“There are no other nightclubs in Dundee with external licenced areas. The plan does not specify how the area will be managed by staff.
“There is no mention of door staff or CCTV. The health and safety risks and noise pollution involved outweigh any benefits.”
However, Dusa president Tim Hustler insisted that the external drinking area would enhance the overall experience for students.
He said: “In the past students have had to put their drinks down or down them before they go outside.
“This would be a managed queuing system, managed by our very professional team.
“We have won awards in the past for being the safest nightclub in Dundee and have a great working relationship with the police.”
After considering both arguments, the licensing board approved the extended licence on the basis that students were only allowed to take one drink outside at a time.
At the same meeting chef Adam Newth was granted an alcohol licence for his first solo restaurant venture.
The double rosette-winning chef’s plans to accommodate diners with alcohol at Broughty Ferry’s Tayberry restaurant were granted by the board.