The Licensing Board is scheduled to meet on 23 September to consider a range of licensing applications, including new premises licences and major variations to existing licences. These applications span various establishments, including convenience stores, restaurants, and a casino. The board will also look at a personal licence application, proposed board dates for 2026, and an LSO update.

Merkur Casino, 59 Summer Street - Application for Major Variation

An application for a major variation at Merkur Casino on Summer Street is scheduled to be discussed. The proposed variation involves changes to the layout of the premises to include outdoor gaming machines.

According to the applicant's background information, the Merkur Casino Group acquired the premises from Double Diamond Gaming Limited in May 2023, with the applicant, Merkur Casino Entertainment UK Limited, trading at the location since January 2024. The application seeks to update the licensing plans to align with the premises layout and the premises licence issued under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The licensed gaming area is expected to be slightly increased to incorporate a designated area within the smoking shelter, allowing for gaming machines to be operated during permitted hours.

The application states that it does not seek to vary the permitted hours or activities and that existing operational safeguards and controls will continue to be applied. A detailed Local Area Risk Assessment is included in the application.

The Merkur Casino Aberdeen Risk Assessment_January 2025 final JW 1.pdf outlines potential risks and mitigation strategies related to the casino's operation. These include measures to prevent crime and disorder, protect vulnerable persons, and ensure fair and open gambling. The assessment also considers the casino's location in a mixed business, retail, and residential area, and its proximity to local amenities and transportation.

The document Merkur Casino - Gambling Act 2005 - Reference Documents.pdf includes extracts from the Gambling Commission's Guidance to Licensing Authorities, Hansard Parliamentary Debates, Paterson's Licensing Acts 2025, and the Gambling Act 2005 (Mandatory and Default Conditions) (Scotland) Regulations 2007.

St Machar Bar, 97 High Street, Old Aberdeen - Application for Major Variation

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a major variation at St Machar Bar, located at 97 High Street, Old Aberdeen. The proposed changes to the operating plan include:

• Changing the on-sales commencement hour to 10:00, Monday to Sunday.
• Changing the off-sales commencement hour to 10:00 on Sunday.
• Adding seasonal variations.
• Adding recorded music.
• Adding live music.
• Adding deliveries.
• Adding children and young persons access.

There is also a proposed variation to the layout plan to add an upper floor tasting room and shop.

The application has received three public objections and one letter of support from the University of Aberdeen.

One objection, Objection 1 - T Harwood.pdf, raises concerns about potential public nuisance in the Conservation area of Old Aberdeen due to noise and litter. Another objection refers to a previous planning application that was declined due to concerns about noise and disturbance, and suggests that the current application may require the same scrutiny. This objection also raises concerns about compliance with Local Development Plan (LDP) policies related to noise and mixed-use areas.

Letter of Support from University of Aberdeen September 2025_Redacted.pdf indicates that the University of Aberdeen supports the application, stating that the contribution of the St Machar Bar to the vitality of Old Aberdeen is valued.

China Kingdom Restaurant, 12-16 Guild Street - Application for Major Variation

A major variation application for China Kingdom Restaurant, located at 12-16 Guild Street, is scheduled to be discussed. The proposed variations include:

• Changing the on-sales commencement hour to 11:00 on Sundays.
• Changing the off-sales commencement hour to 11:00 on Sundays.
• Amending conference and restaurant facilities to include hours outside of the core licensing hours.
• Adding bar meals both during and outside of core hours.
• Adding receptions and club meetings.
• Adding music and live performances outside of core hours.
• Adding dance facilities, theatre, and indoor/outdoor sport.
• Adding outdoor drinking.
• Adding adult entertainment.
• Increasing capacity to 60.

The applicant has agreed to the imposition of conditions related to CCTV, adult entertainment, and outdoor drinking.

ARI Convenience Store, Unit 1, Cornhill Shopping Centre - Application for Premises Licence

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for ARI Convenience Store, located at Unit 1, Cornhill Shopping Centre. The convenience store intends to offer off-sales consumption and home delivery of food and alcohol (only wines and beers, not spirits). The proposed capacity of the premises is 24.459sqm.

The application has received one public representation. The applicant has agreed to the imposition of CCTV and delivery driver conditions.

Skene Street Convenience Shop, 55 Skene Street - Application for Premises Licence

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Skene Street Convenience Shop, located at 55 Skene Street, Aberdeen. The convenience store intends to offer off-sales of alcohol and home delivery of food and alcohol (only wines and beers, not spirits). The proposed capacity of the premises is 14.583sqm.

The applicant has agreed to the imposition of CCTV and delivery driver conditions.

Greens of Hillhead, Hillhead Student Village, Don Street - Application for Premises Licence

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Greens of Hillhead, located in Hillhead Student Village, Don Street. The convenience store intends to offer a full range of products, including fresh food, meats, confectionery, tobacco, and off-sales of alcohol. Recorded music will be played during store opening hours, and home delivery of alcohol and other goods may take place via a third-party courier. The proposed capacity of the premises is 19.48sqm.

The applicant has agreed to the imposition of CCTV and delivery driver conditions.

Unit 19, Mastrick Shopping Centre, Greenfern Place - Application for Provisional Premises Licence

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a provisional premises licence for a convenience store at Unit 19, Mastrick Shopping Centre, Greenfern Place. Alcohol is intended to be sold during core hours. The proposed capacity of the premises is 10.71sqm.

The applicant has agreed to the imposition of CCTV conditions.

Gilcomston Bar, 5 Gilcomston Steps - Application for Major Variation

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a major variation for Gilcomston Bar, located at 5 Gilcomston Steps. The proposed variations include extending the on-sales terminal hour to 1:00 Monday to Sunday and adding bar meals outside of core hours.

The application has received one public representation.

Shotz, Arch 13, South College Street - Application for Major Variation

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a major variation for Shotz, located at Arch 13, South College Street. The proposed variation is to add gaming machines and live sports to the operating plan.

Application for Personal Licence

The board is scheduled to consider an application for a personal licence.

Licensing Board Dates 2026

The board is scheduled to consider proposed dates for Licensing Board meetings in 2026:

• 20 January
• 14 April
• 30 June
• 22 September
• 1 December

LSO Update

John Philip, Licensing Standards Officer, is scheduled to provide an update to the board on licensing matters.