PUBS in East Lothian have been given some early festive cheers after licensing chiefs announced extra drinking hours over the holidays.
East Lothian Council has said that all hospitality venues will be able to stay open until 2am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year, with the late last orders also available on Hogmanay and New Year’s Day.
Speaking at a virtual meeting of the council's licensing board, convenor Councillor Lachlan Bruce said that the general extension would be for on-sales only and no drinking establishment would need to apply.
He said: “Any application outwith these dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted by December 2.”
East Lothian premises were previously given a general extension for two weeks over the festive period until that was scrapped four years ago at the request of the county’s licensing forum.
The forum argued that only a small number of premises took advantage of the extension outwith the main holiday dates.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here