A RUGBY club and a hotel have been given the go-ahead to serve breakfast drinks to customers who want to watch Rugby World Cup games live, despite concern from police.

North Berwick Rugby Club and the Nether Abbey Hotel in the town both asked East Lothian Licensing Board for a variation in their drinks licences to let them serve alcohol during live games beamed in from cup host country Japan, which is eight hours ‘ahead’ of Scotland.

Police objected to the applications on the grounds the move could set a precedent and result in an increase in crime and disorder. Lothian and Scottish Borders Divisional Chief Superintendent John McKenzie insisted that the force had no problem with people gathering to watch the games – it was just the serving of alcohol at such an early time they had issue with.

In a letter objecting to both applications, Mr McKenzie said: “It is pertinent to note that Police Scotland has no objection to the premises opening early to allow patrons to watch the Rugby World Cup and breakfasts to be sold, if there is no alcohol for sale or supply.”

He warned: “Alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder continues to be a problem in East Lothian.

“Recorded crime figures demonstrate that the longer and later licensed premises are open, the higher the likelihood of crimes of violence occurring.”

Despite police concerns, the board ruled that there were exceptional circumstances at play, with the Rugby World Cup games affected by time zone differences and starting early in the morning in the UK.

Councillor Jane Henderson, ward member, said: “I think these are one-off events. It is exceptional circumstances.”

And Councillor Willie Innes, council leader, added: “There is no doubt the Rugby World Cup is an important sporting event.”

The rugby club was granted permission to extend its licence to serve alcohol from 8.30am on Sunday, September 22, when Scotland’s opening game against Ireland is held, and from 9am on eight subsequent days when there are Scotland games or games of significance over the course of the tournament, which runs until the final on November 2.

A condition was set that all those attending should be on a pre-ordered list and must buy breakfast.

Clubhouse manager Douglas Paul told the board that the events would not be advertised and were for members and guests only.

Nether Abbey Hotel was granted permission to start serving ‘Champagne breakfasts’ from 8.15am on Sunday, September 22, until 11am for those who wanted to watch the Scotland v Ireland game.

They were also ordered to only allow people who pre-booked breakfast to attend.