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East Lothian's 'smallest' gala in 'affluent' village banned from having drinks tent

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date25 April 2024
AuthorMarie Sharp
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
East Linton Gala had hoped to have a drinks tent at this summer's gathering, which it said helped raise funds for the community

However a meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board today refused to grant them a licence after ruling the gala was a 'predominantly children's event' and it would be against policy.

The board meeting heard the gala, which is attended by around 400 local residents, described as the county's 'smallest' one and that it is held in the village's War Memorial Park.

Cat McMeeken, representing the gala committee, argued that the park was exempt from a county-wide public drinking ban on the day of the gala so people could bring their own booze to the event.

She said allowing the gala to run its own drinks tent discouraged people from buying alcohol elsewhere as they knew funds raised from the tent went to the community.

She told the board: "East Linton Gala has never had a situation where there has been antisocial behaviour. It is not an area where people will be buying drink from shops because it is cheaper, they will be going to the tent. It is predominately an affluent area."

Ms McMeeken questioned the board's policy, which says events which are classed as predominately for children, should not necessarily need alcohol licenses and...

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