A councillor’s lament that the Montrose Music Festival was more appropriately titled the Montrose drinking festival was rejected by council colleagues.
Arbroath councillor Alex King found himself to be a lone voice as he protested over pubs being allowed to open later and tailored requests to relax outdoor drinking for the MoFest event.
As colleagues agreed that the Star Hotel could serve drink to 1.45am on the Saturday into Sunday of the festival and Sharky’s Bar was allowed the same grace, Mr King protested.
He said: “I am concerned that the Montrose Music Festival is becoming the Montrose drinking festival. I don’t see the need for an extension.”
Mr King also expressed concern when colleagues approved an application from the event organiser for an occasional licence for a specified outdoor drinking area on the High Street on Saturday between 11am and 8pm and Sunday between 1 and 6pm.
Food and drink will be available in the area, which will be stewarded, and the two temporary bars operating a restricted drinks policy of two drinks per person.
The Market Arms also made a successful bid to the council for a small outdoor daytime drinking area for the weekend.
The seated area will be stewarded.
Councillor David Fairweather said of the festival: “This is something that is bringing an awful lot of people into the area.
“I think it’s fantastic for the town and for the businesses.”
The police said they had no concerns about any of the proposals.
Northern Irish indie rockers Ash headline this year’s festival.