Last orders for Border rideouts

David Knox • Published 29 Jun 2010 14:14 0 Comments

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A FESTIVALS booze blitz has stung Selkirk landlords. And warnings are being sent to mine hosts in other towns which are about to celebrate their own gatherings.

Several publicans received warnings from licensing officials and a couple could even face prosecution following Friday's Common Riding.

Thousands of drinkers across the Borders are hitting the bottle early as they toast their town's big day. But the decades of traditional turning-a-blind-eye have gone.

And police along with council licensing officers are trawling bars and clubs in a bid to enforce strict new rules.

Drinkers were warned outside several bars in Selkirk on Friday morning that they were breaking the law. And publicans were also told they would have their licences taken away if the alfresco alcohol consumption didn't stop.

One licensee, who we agreed not to name, told us: "It is crazy. Friday was our busiest day of the year yet we have to watch every customer and make sure they don't pop outside with their drink.

"We were told to employ door stewards, which is ridiculous. How can a small pub afford to have bouncers?"

Police officers are also investigating other licensing issues which were allegedly breached during the Common Riding celebrations - and charges could be brought.

Licensing officer Scott Dishington from Lothian and Borders Police said: "Licensing issues were identified at several premises on Friday morning and these are being investigated further.

"We are working very closely with Scottish Borders Council and if we perceive that licensing laws will be breached, we will act."

Scottish Borders Council issued a statement ahead of Hawick Common Riding to remind publicans throughout the region of the rules during the festival season.

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 restricts the sale of alcohol to be taken off premises before 10am and after 10pm.

Despite early on-sales licences being granted for pubs during their town's big day - the rules change when a drinker carries his pint into the street. And a fine of up to £1000 can be issued for anyone caught breaching the rules.

Despite the local authority taking the lead in the festival campaign - nobody at Newtown St Boswells would discuss Friday's crackdown. A spokeswoman said: "Scottish Borders Council has confirmed that this is a matter for the Police and it is inappropriate for the Council to comment further."

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