Published: Wednesday, 24th October, 2007 11:25
'Courageous' Mum wins curfew to stop late-night noise
By Campbell Hutcheson
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AN EARLSTON mother has won a licensing concession in her battle to reduce late-night noise.
Lena Hutton took her concerns to last week’s meeting of Scottish Borders Licensing Board and convinced councillors to restrict the late-night licence for The Red Lion Hotel.
She argued that a four-day extension to 1 a.m. was contributing to late-night disturbance in the village and affecting her family’s sleep and that of neighbouring residents.
Mrs Hutton said: “I think this (licence application) would cause public nuisance and general noise after midnight.
“I’m not against anyone having a drink, but it just seems that it’s become the norm for licences to be granted to 1 a.m. on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“This is at a time when you are complaining about anti-social behaviour.”
Mrs Hutton told the licensing board that the problem was particularly acute when her children were woken in the early hours of Friday and Monday — disturbance which threatened their concentration on school days.
Board members noted that another Earlston couple had also lodged a letter of objection.
She said: “There are a lot of neighbours on the High Street who feel the same way.
“But I feel incredibly intimidated being here.”
Councillor Carolyn Riddell-Carre, the licensing board chairman, said: “I admire your courage in coming to the meeting and I’m sure you speak for other people.”
Edmund Craster, who appeared on behalf of the hotel, stressed that the extension to 1 a.m. was usually only used from Saturday.
He said: “The hotel does not fully utilise the late licence.
“On Thursday and Friday it’s no later than midnight and on Sunday it’s 11 o’clock.
“This is a hotel that makes a point of telling customers to drink up and leave quietly and as quickly as possible.
“Notices are posted regarding noise.”
Mr Craster confirmed that the hotel had live music or a disco about twice a month and these functions concluded at 12.30 a.m.
He indicated that it was not in the hotel’s interests to create a noise nuisance because it might cause room guests to check out early.
The agent pointed out that there were four other licensed premises in Earlston and The Red Lion Hotel could not be held responsible for all general disturbance in the village.
Mr Craster told members that the hotel was prepared to install CCTV cameras as a concessionary measure and board members welcomed this offer.
They decided to limit the late licence to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, allowing an extension to 1 a.m. from Friday and Saturday.
Turning to Mrs Hutton, Councillor Riddell-Carre said: “You’ve done a good job and I hope you are happy.”
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