Licensing board rejects Wetherspoon application

An application for an on and off sales licence by J D Wetherspoon (Scot) Ltd for a proposed public house in the former HMRC building in Stirling’s Spittal Street was rejected by the District of Stirling Licensing Board at its meeting yesterday morning (Wednesday 1 February).

Stirling Council’s Planning Panel gave approval in September 2011 for a proposed two-storey bar/restaurant, together with beer garden and shop front, utilising the existing two-storey building, which has lain empty for some years.  

The Licensing Board heard presentations on the public house proposals, with capacity for up to 700 customers, from representatives of J D Wetherspoon, city centre retailers and other businesses, Central Scotland Police, Forth Valley Health Board, community councils and local residents, and decided against granting a provisional premises licence for the sale of alcohol.

“This proposed public house has raised a great deal of debate in the local community, and the Licensing Board meeting was the opportunity for a full and frank discussion of the licensing issues, with everyone given their opportunity to be heard,” said Licensing Board Chairman Councillor Graham Reed.  “Having considered all the evidence put forward, and all the written submissions, both for and against the proposal, the Licensing Board’s decision was to reject the Wetherspoon application.”