Information and News 2021
Welcome to our information page. We will update you with topical news on licensing issues as it becomes available.
Post Christmas Coronavirus Restrictions
As Christmas approaches, we await the announcement of the new Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions that will be imposed by the Scottish Government as of the26th December to address the increase in transmission of the Omicron variant. This information will be posted on the Scottish Government website.
Festive General Extension to Licensed Hours
At the East Lothian Licensing Board meeting on Thursday 28th October 2021, the Convenor, John McMillan announced the following extensions:
The Board permits on consumption premises to extend their normal core hours to 2am on the following dates in respect of the 2021 festive period:
This extension will only apply to on-sales and not to off-sales of alcohol.
- 24th December - Christmas Eve
- 25th December - Christmas Day
- 26th December - Boxing Day
- 31st December - Hogmanay
- 1st January - New Year's Day
There will be no general extensions beyond this although any applications for extended hours outwith the general extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It should be noted that such applications will require to be submitted no later than 1st December each year.
There is no need for licensees to apply for the general extension to 2am on the 5 dates shown above. On sales premises can utilise these hours to the extent they considered appropriate.
Coronavirus
East Lothian is currently in Level beyond 0. For information updates on opening up after 9th August 2021 please consult the Scottish Government or East Lothian Council websites where you will be able to access the latest guidelines on permitted Hospitality Sector operations.
Managing for Euro 2020 success - Advice for licensees showing European Championship football matches in 2021
Based on the Scottish Government guidance pleas see the information on good management of licensed premises at the following link - Managing for Euro 2020 success | Euro 2020 guidance | East Lothian Council
George Hood
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our longstanding chairman George Hood who died peacefully with his family at home on 3rd January. George had been suffering with illness for sometime and had only just got home from hospital before Christmas.
George was an enthusiastic and hard working member of the Forum who took over the chair and kept it going when it was at a low ebb. He co-ordinated several working groups to ensure that consultations on the five licensing objectives were operated by the licensed trade at a high level in East Lothian. His contribution towards the most recent 'Statement of Licensing Policy 2018 -2023' was commended by the local Licensing Board as was his chairmanship of the joint Musselburgh and Tranent Pub Watch scheme, known as RASP, which was heralded as the most effective across the county. His passing is a great loss to licensing and the local community.
Our thoughts and condolences go to his family at this sad time.
The full notice of George's passing can be found at the following link: Evening News
Tom White
It is with regret that news has come through that PC Tom White, Police Licensing Office, West Lothian died suddenly on his way home from work yesterday (10/02/2021). Tom was a lovely guy, described by a friend 'as a real character'. He looked after our licensing needs in East Lothian from March 2020 when our own police licensing officer was absent for a long period.
We thank him greatly for his services and our thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our longstanding chairman George Hood who died peacefully with his family at home on 3rd January. George had been suffering with illness for sometime and had only just got home from hospital before Christmas.
George was an enthusiastic and hard working member of the Forum who took over the chair and kept it going when it was at a low ebb. He co-ordinated several working groups to ensure that consultations on the five licensing objectives were operated by the licensed trade at a high level in East Lothian. His contribution towards the most recent 'Statement of Licensing Policy 2018 -2023' was commended by the local Licensing Board as was his chairmanship of the joint Musselburgh and Tranent Pub Watch scheme, known as RASP, which was heralded as the most effective across the county. His passing is a great loss to licensing and the local community.
Our thoughts and condolences go to his family at this sad time.
The full notice of George's passing can be found at the following link: Evening News
Tom White
It is with regret that news has come through that PC Tom White, Police Licensing Office, West Lothian died suddenly on his way home from work yesterday (10/02/2021). Tom was a lovely guy, described by a friend 'as a real character'. He looked after our licensing needs in East Lothian from March 2020 when our own police licensing officer was absent for a long period.
We thank him greatly for his services and our thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time.
