THE chair of East Linton Gala committee said that she was “considering legal options” after the gala was rejected a licence to sell alcohol.

East Linton Gala had its application for a licence to serve alcohol this summer turned down at a licensing meeting of East Lothian Council last week which ruled that the gala was a “predominantly children’s event” and it would be against council policy (see story above).

Cat McMeeken, chair of the gala committee, argued the park was exempt from a county-wide public drinking ban on the day of the gala so people could bring their own alcohol to the celebration, questioning the board’s policy, which says that events which are classed as predominately for children should not necessarily need alcohol licences and puts the onus on the applicant to justify why there should be drink sold.

READ MORE: East Linton Gala banned from selling alcohol

Ms McMeeken told the Courier after the meeting that she was considering further action following the decision.

She said: “I am disappointed, frustrated and confused by the decision.

“The policy from East Lothian Council is not clear and I do not believe it is legal.

“I believe they are making decisions they have no right to be making.

“I don’t feel like they responded at all to my points raised at the meeting and it was almost like ‘how dare I question them’ and come prepared for the meeting.

“This decision disproportionately impacts small events here in East Lothian and many galas rely on alcohol sales to self-fund.”

Ms McMeeken, who took on the role of gala chair last year, argued that the ban would have an impact on the future structure of the gala.

She said: “Historically, East Linton Gala has always sold alcohol.

“We get the alcohol practically free through donations, so it is all profit.

“This year, we are offering all kids’ rides free, as I want this gala to be accessible for all.

“This decision could mean fewer rides and possibly charging parents next year.”

And she said that she hoped to discuss her concerns with other gala committees.

She added: “The next step is to reach out to all the other gala chairs and voice my concerns.

“I think if we can get a united front on this then we could see changes made.

“I am also considering my legal options.

“I can’t say much more at the moment but I don’t think what has been done is right.”