Perth’s aspirations to become a leading European tourist destination took a leap forward with the acceptance of a more relaxed attitude to outdoor drinking.
Despite concerns that Scotland’s drinking culture was not ready for a change to licensing laws with regard to pavement cafes, an experimental period of embracing “cafe culture” proved a great success.
Now the changes have become permanent after few problems were encountered by police, public or premises.
“Since the introduction of pavement cafes, there has been little or no significant increase in the number of incidents recorded that would give Tayside Police cause for concern,” said Chief Inspector Andrew McCann in a letter to Perth and Kinross Licensing Board.
“If pavement cafes were to become a permanent feature of Perth and Kinross then like all licensed premises, these would continue to be monitored closely and brought to the board’s attention if deemed to be in breach of any of the licensing objectives.
“By adopting this option, Tayside Police is of the opinion that it will not only benefit the local economy but allow both residents and visitors alike to continue to enjoy the pavement cafe culture that Perth and Kinross has to offer.”
Following the experiment which was staged from May through to October last year the licensing board decided that from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week, alcohol may be sold on its own in the outside seating area of those premises incorporating pavement cafes, provided substantial food is also available to patrons during those hours.
Outwith these hours, the provision of alcohol must be ancillary to the provision of food in the outside seating area so people would not be able to just drink without food.
The board rules say that food should be substantial which doesn’t include crisps or nuts on their own.
NHS Tayside refused to back the relaxation, commenting in the consultation responses that it was “not consistent with the objective of protecting and promoting public health.”
Among those in favour were the council’s own economic development department who thought it would contribute to the development of the hospitality sector, while Perthshire Chamber of Commerce said a more modern approach was needed to be taken to outside drinking.
Several members of the licensing board, including councillors John Flynn, Jack Coburn, Wilma Lumsden and Heather Stewart, all admitted they initially had reservations about the relaxation but had been won over by the experimental period.
“I am very pleased it has been a success,” said Councillor Flynn. “When we are trying to promote Perth as a small European city it’s good to have civilised drinking.”
The board unanimously endorsed the change to their policy on Thursday after board convener Councillor Bob Band assured them they would continue to monitor the situation.
It will now be open to premises to apply to the board for a variation of their licence.