CALLS for a rugby club to be denied an open licence during North Berwick Highland Games have been rejected after licensing bosses ruled they were entitled to take advantage of the day.

Organisers of the Recreation Park-based games claimed plans by North Berwick Rugby Club to open to the public on the day of the event could take trade away from traders who had paid to be there.

However at East Lothian Licensing Board last week, Alastair Macdonald, appearing on behalf of the club, who are also based at Recreation Park, insisted it was no different to any other business in the town.

He said: “They said in their application they seek to take advantage because the Highland Games are on, that is in the same way they might for the Scottish Open, for example, or any other major event locally. This is no different to restaurants in the town gearing up for additional trade on the day or shops.” Games organisers voiced concerns the club would be selling alcohol outside but Mr Macdonald said the open licence would only apply to the club premises and was not designed to allow outdoor sales.

He said: “This simply allows the club members to invite people in for a drink on the day rather than having to sign them in as they would normally do.” The board approved the club’s request for an open licence on Saturday, August 8, between 11am and 8pm.