Pavement licences: 'Police would rather see a 9pm curfew'

THE decision by police to oppose four new applications in the city for extended pavement licences is disappointing to say the least. It is not the fact they have lodged objections to them all but it is the spurious manner in which they have done so by failing to outline in each case why they specifically oppose each application.

The issue of extending pavement licences from 9pm until 11pm at night and from 9am in the morning has been the subject of considerable debate for many years. It was only after lengthy consultation with residents and traders in areas likely to be affected – who were overwhelmingly in favour – that the council decided late last year to invite applications.

Today it will consider permit extension applications from premises in Rose Street, George Street, the High Street and the Grassmarket where many pubs and restaurants already have tables outside. But while police have so far ignored a handful of previous applications they will oppose all four today. It would have been hoped that having carefully examined each application on its merits they would make comments and recommendations where appropriate. But it would appear they have not done so. In each case they are objecting on the grounds that they are of the opinion that 9pm is an appropriate time for permission to offer outdoor service to cease. And as if to justify this they say leaving out tables longer than this might hamper the movement of those looking for late-night entertainment. Do they mean drunks?

In any event this appears far from legitimate grounds for objection. Instead it seems the police are in effect making a political statement that they disagree with the policy and it is to be hoped that the licensing committee will see through this and ignore their opposition.

We are being continually told by the police that the city centre is now a safer place. More officers on the streets, particularly at night on weekends, has resulted in a drop in unruly behaviour and crime. That is a good thing.

But surely the point of all this effort is to create a less intimidating and ambient environment where law-abiding citizens can enjoy themselves. Yet it seems quite clear that the police would rather see a 9pm curfew imposed with people being confined indoors rather than face the possibility of having to deal with a few complaints over noise from a handful of diners – although this is hardly likely to be the case as all four premises are located on relatively busy thoroughfares with a reputation for late-night activity.

But should we expect more from a force which was the sole voice of opposition to a Starbucks coffee shop on the Royal Mile opening 24 hours during the Festivals – presumably for fear its clientele, high on caffeine, would provoke disorder.