Ormiston Gala: Licensing chiefs urged to reject plans to serve alcohol

The committee of Ormiston Gala has applied for a licence to allow a pop-up bar at this year’s village celebrations.

However, East Lothian Council’s licensing standards officer has lodged an objection to the plans, pointing out that most of the estimated 400 people who attend will be children.

In her report to this week’s meeting of the council's licensing board, Karen Harling said that the daytime event had no need to serve alcohol and she urged the board to seek the views of Police Scotland on the proposals.

In her report to the board, which will decide whether to grant the licence at a meeting on Thursday, Ms Harling said that she objected to the licence, pointing out that no one from the committee had sought her advice before submitting the application.

'Not required'

She said: “This event is for children and families, with much of the attractions including fairground shows, music and performances focused towards them.

“I deem that this type of event does not attract the need for an occasional licence.

“In addition, I feel the applicant has not demonstrated sufficient measures that protect children and young persons from harm.

“It will be extremely difficult to protect children and young persons from exposure to the use of alcohol, which is not required at a children’s event.”

In her report, Ms Harling also raised concerns about how people would be prevented from leaving the bar area and going into the park where the gala is held, which would breach local byelaws banning drinking alcohol in public areas.

The gala committee has applied for a licence to serve alcohol in Ormiston Park on the day of the gala on June 24 between 12.30pm and 5pm.

In its application, the committee said: “The park will be open to all ages. We will be cordoning off the area in the park where alcohol can only be served and consumed.

“Stewards and bar staff will be in place checking ID and managing the area, not allowing anyone under age access.”