East Lothian Courier | News | October decision on hotel

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 7th August, 2008 08:00

October decision on hotel

THE long-running dispute between the licensee and owners of Port Seton’s Wemyss Hotel is set to rumble on, at least until October.

Licensee Lisa Rowe said that was when a court date had been set to decide the matter – five months after the pub was shut down.

She said: “It has been a disappointment to the community and now it’s just a waiting game until we can go to court. We put a lot of money in to the pub and tried to make a difference in the village. After this ordeal is over we will be able to focus on new things.”

The hotel, on Links Road, was shut in May by owners Punch Taverns after they were granted a court interdict to stop licensees Brian and Lisa from trading at the premises. The closure came only two weeks before gala day.

The Courier reported in May that Punch had stressed that it was “actively seeking” their replacements. The case was first called at the Court of Session in July.

With reference to the upcoming court date, Punch Taverns said: “We hope to meet with a satisfactory outcome for all parties concerned. Our focus is on opening the Wemyss Hotel for it to return to its rightful place serving the community.”

The hotel had been under review late last year following complaints regarding alleged rowdy behaviour in the vicinity. In January, the hotel’s late licence was extended after a trouble-free six months.

Mr and Mrs Rowe, who are eight years into a 20-year lease, live above the pub and have been pursuing individual projects since May.

Lisa Rowe, a singer, will be appearing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

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