Kincraig cafe applies for alcohol licence
A new but already popular artisan café in Kincraig has submitted an application to serve alcohol to its customers.
Members of the Highland Licensing Board are being recommended to approve the move for The Old Post Office Café and Gallery.
The owner Toni Vastano wants to serve alcohol on the premises from noon to 11pm daily.
He is also seeking permission for off-sales from 11am to 10pm daily to compliment a takeaway food service aimed at people staying in nearby campsites and self-catering accommodation.
The paper going before the committee tomorrow states: "The applicant has extensive licensing experience having run the successful La Taverna Restaurant in Aviemore.
"The premises have been visited by the Licensing Standards Officer (LSO) and they are certainly suitable for the sale of alcohol as described within the operating plan.
"The hours requested are within the policy hours of the Highland Licensing Board.
"Off sales has been requested on the licence. This is to compliment the offering of a takeaway food service to allow persons from nearby camp sites and self-catering lets to buy alcohol to accompany a meal – a service made all the more relevant in the absence of a local shop.
"The operating plan has been reviewed by the LSO who is content that it fully meets the requirements of the licensing objectives."
The cafe which focuses on local produce is also used as an art gallery by Mr Vastano's wife Ann and for other artists.
Mrs Vastano work is owned by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former First Minister Alex Salmon amongst others.
The venue is located within the former post office in Kincraig - which along with the shop closed several years ago - and has stunning views over Loch Insh.
It offers 20 seats and an additional area outside for customers.
There have been no objections to the application.
