Perth Farmers’ Market has launched a bid to open until 10pm in time for the Christmas lights switch-on weekend.
Organisers have asked the council to allow them an extra two hours of operation to coincide with the Chocolate Festival in November.
However they face opposition from the local authority’s roads department, which has concerns about conflict with those going to eateries in the area.
Adeline Watson, of Perth Farmers’ Market, said a licence extension would not be used every weekend.
“We’ve applied for a licence to finish at 10pm because we need to have a longer market when we hold the Chocolate Festival in November as it goes on longer (than the current licence),” she said.
“Every time we ask to vary the licence it costs us, so we might as well do it for all weekends.
“We already have permission for 50-55 stalls so there will be no additional stalls applied for.”
But in a letter to officials, the roads department launched an objection.
They said: “Increasing the time to 10pm on a Saturday would not be prudent as there would be conflict with people going to and from the restaurants and cafs in St John’s Place and King Edward Street.
“The time limit should be reduced to remove conflict between the farmers’ market and people going out for a night,” the letter said.
However, local businessman Willie White, who owns Willows on St John’s Place, said that the market actually benefits his shop.
“We welcome the farmers’ market,” he said. “We’ve worked successfully with them for a number of years.
“The market allows people to buy quality goods from local businesses, rather than relying on chain stores.
“It’s also good for the nearby restaurants and cafs as it generates increased footfall in the area.
“Many of these people will stop for a bite to eat after they have done their shopping at the market.
“I see no problem with extending the licence to 10pm.”
Councillors will consider the application at a meeting of the licensing committee on Thursday.