Pub applications for change to Sunday opening hours due 24th February

Restrictions on opening times on Sundays may be relaxed.

Argyll and Bute Licensing Board has announced that it is minded to re-visit the existing regulations regarding Sunday opening hours for Public Houses.

The move comes several months after the Board agreed to relax the regulations governing off license sales on Sundays.

At present, the earliest that pubs can open on a Sunday is 12.30pm, although hotels can open their licensed premises from 11.0am.

This distinction was the result of old legislation which is now no longer in force. The new legislation makes no such distinction.

Councillor Daniel Kelly, Chair of the Licensing Board, says that the members felt it was time to look again at the situation.

‘We have received representations from Public House licensees, who feel that they are being unfairly disadvantaged by the fact that both off licenses and hotels can now open their premises earlier than they can on a Sunday.

‘We have therefore decided to look again at this, and will consider applications for earlier opening hours from any license-holder who wishes to make one.’

Applicants are being urged to submit their requests by Wednesday, 24th February in order that they can be considered at the Board meeting on 25th March.

There will be a one-off, reduced fee of £20 for all applications.