The Scottish Borders Licensing Board is scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Tontine Hotel in Peebles, which includes proposals for a temporary bar and the inclusion of an external area as part of the licensed premises. The board will also review applications for extended hours at the Besom Inn in Coldstream during Coldstream Civic Week.

Variation to Premises Licence at The Tontine Hotel, Peebles

The board is scheduled to consider an application from Tontine Operations Limited to vary the premises licence for The Tontine Hotel in Peebles. The proposed variations include the provision of a temporary bar facility in the external area at the front of the premises. This external area would also be included as part of the licensed area, allowing for bar meals, restaurant facilities, and recorded music. Customers would be able to order via an app, and children and young persons would have access to this area. However, the external area would not be used for the consumption of food or drink after 10:00 pm.

Representations have been received from Police Scotland and the Licensing Standards Officer. Police Scotland has raised concerns regarding the licensing objective of protecting children from harm, stating that the exposure of children to the selling and purchasing of alcohol in an area adjacent to a busy pavement could normalise alcohol use. They also object to the inclusion of music in the outdoor area on the grounds of preventing public nuisance, citing potential complaints from neighbouring businesses, residents, and pedestrians.

The Licensing Standards Officer, Mike Wynne, has also submitted a representation. Mr. Wynne notes that while he has no objection to the use of an app for ordering alcohol, provided a challenge 25 policy is in place for staff delivering it, he objects to the temporary bar on the grounds of protecting children from harm. He also objects to the inclusion of music due to potential public nuisance. Mr. Wynne has requested that if the variation is approved, specific conditions be imposed, including restrictions on music levels, the use of plastic or toughened glasses, the presence of a Designated Premises Manager at all times the bar is open, and the installation of CCTV coverage. He also requests that the temporary bar only be used on specific dates, such as Beltane Wednesday, the Friday and Saturday of that week, the Christmas light switch-on, and the Community Shopping Fair.

Extended Hours Applications for the Besom Inn, Coldstream

The board is scheduled to consider applications for extended hours at the Besom Inn, located at 77 High Street, Coldstream, during Coldstream Civic Week. The applications have been submitted by Punch Partnership Limited, with the premises manager being Claire Kinghorn.

One application seeks an extension from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am on Monday 3 August 2026 for the Sock Event, a historic Civic Week event. Another application requests extensions on Thursday 6 August 2026, the principal day of Civic Week. This includes an extension from 8:00 am to 11:00 am to permit the sale of alcohol with breakfasts, and an extension from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am. A further application seeks an extension from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday 8 August 2026 for the Sing Song Breakfast, an event intended to revive a tradition of community singing and breakfast.

The Licensing Standards Officer, Michael Wynne, has submitted a representation noting that while no objection is made in relation to the events themselves or the operation of the premises, parts of the requested hours fall outside the Board's extended hours policy. Specifically, the requested hours of 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday 6 August and Saturday 8 August are noted as being outwith the Board's policy.

Licences Dealt With Under Delegated Powers

The board will also be presented with a list of licences that have been dealt with under delegated powers between 14 May 2026 and 9 June 2026. This list includes various licence types such as substitutions of Designated Premises Managers, transfers of Premises Licences, grants of Personal Licences, and numerous Occasional Extensions and Occasional Licences for events and businesses across the Scottish Borders.

Review of Personal and Premises Licences

The meeting agenda also indicates that there will be items likely to be taken in private, which include a review of a Personal Licence and a review of a Premises Licence. These reviews are scheduled to be considered under Section 84A and Section 36 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, respectively, following reports of conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives received from Police Scotland.