Police and political opposition was overruled as plans were passed for a pop-up bar at Kirkcaldy’s Links Market.
Fife Licensing Board granted the application for a 150 to 200 capacity bar by Manchester-based firm Stanley Reeves of S&D Leisure, which plans to set up the temporary structure at the former Stagecoach depot site on the Esplanade.
The plan had been opposed by both the Showman’s Guild and the police, who argued the sale of alcohol could be the catalyst for trouble and anti social behaviour at the week-long event.
Inspector Stewart McMillan said: “This has never been an event that previously needed alcohol.
“Individual anti social behaviour already has potential to affect the event.
“We have seen various groups of youths from other towns use Links Market as a meeting place for anti-social behaviour. The presence of a bar selling alcohol will only add to the discontent.”
Kirkcaldy Labour Councillor Alistair Cameron said: “As someone who knows the area well, I am uncomfortable with this application.
“We haven’t seen as many issues over the last couple of years and there was a campaign to reduce alcohol consumption within the market.
“I’m also concerned that the bar will attract sales away from other pubs and bars within the town.”
However, solicitor Janet Hood, representing Stanley Reeves, managing director of S & D Leisure (Europe) Ltd, reminded the board it had last year granted her client permission for a bar within the footprint of the Links Market without controversy or police objection.
She said: “Mr Reeves has been part of the Showmen’s Guild for over 40 years, running successful events south of the border.
“My client is aware that the Showmen don’t like to have bars within the event, which is why it will be adjacent to the market.”
Mr Reeves told the board that his business model meant alcohol at his bar would be priced higher than pubs in the town.
It is understood the bar will close to the public half an hour before the Links Market shuts but will then reopen its indoor area only for exclusive use by workers and their families until 2am.
S&D are one of the UK’s leading temporary bar companies, currently with four pop up bar facilities which are used throughout the year at events mainly south of the border.
The company hosted its first Scottish pop up bar event at the Glasgow Christmas Market in 2018.
Mr Cameron had moved to reject the application on grounds of public safety but the Board voted five vote to three to grant the licence.