Fears over licensing arrangements for the biggest music event in Angus to date have been put to rest.
Organisers of the Montrose Mo Fest were on the edge of their seats as councillors debated granting an occasional alcohol licence for next month’s visit of Status Quo.
But they were told it could be ‘marguerita time’ after Angus Licensing Board members approved a public bar for the East Links festival, at which as many as 5,000 people are expected to attend.
Local committee members were worried over council recommendations that allowed conditional acceptance or outright refusal, based on plans at odds with current county rules.
After the meeting in Forfar, chairman David Paton said he was “relieved” to hear the decision, minutes before he was due in another meeting over safety arrangements.
“We were disappointed under-18s weren’t allowed to see Toploader last year, but I’m pleased the councillors have gone with us this time,” he said.
“Of course you don’t need alcohol to have a successful festival, but it’s nice for people to have the option.
“We will be releasing another 300 tickets online to under-18s now that we have permission.”
During the meeting, licensing law specialist Janet Hood spoke on behalf of the Mo Fest committee and said the visit of Status Quo could represent a new era for large events in the county.
She said: “I certainly headbanged to Status Quo in my younger days when I was a student. It’s going to be a great event for Montrose, which will bring in 5,000 people.”
Mrs Hood was accompanied by Ian West and Les Kidger of LCC Events Management.
She added: “LCC are very highly regarded and have managed many high-profile events around the country without incident.”
The firm has overseen big-name touring acts such as Rod Stewart, Westlife, Runrig, JLS, Boyzone and Wet Wet Wet.
Angus Council’s licensing standards officer had prepared a report that left the concert’s fate in the hands of councillors, with only six weeks to go before Mo Fest.
Concerns over the accessibility of alcohol to under-18s featured prominently among council concerns.
However, Mrs Hood said a “Disney queuing” system will be enforced at the bar, which will allow stewards to check several points of the queue in their line of sight.
Securigroup has been contracted to provide security, British Red Cross stations will be in place, and contact has been made with Dundee’s street pastors to offer their expertise.
Mr West was granted the licence for the hours of 5pm to 11pm on May 23.