Late night festive revellers in Inverness will not go hungry
Festive revellers can grab a bite to eat until 4am over the Christmas and New Year period after three city centre takeaways won special dispensation to open longer.
McDonald’s, Zoom and Topkapi Takeaway got the go-ahead from the Highland Licensing Committee on Tuesday for extended trading hours.
It comes a year after Inverness nightclubs were allowed to keep serving alcohol until 4am for the first time.
The three businesses had applied for exemptions to their normal opening hours, which are up to 3am, and argued they should be allowed to serve food until 4am because some night spots would be open until then.
They argued there was a "proven demand" that there were public order and health and safety benefits in food and other refreshments being made available when customers left clubs.
Licensing officer Michael Elsey told the committee there were no objections from the emergency services, including the police.
Police Scotland stated in a letter that it was aware of the economic and social benefits of the festive period to city businesses but would not be in favour of 4am closures all-year round.
But the national police force asked the committee to carry out of a review of the "community impact" on Inverness during the festivities.
Craig Duncan, the franchise owner of the busy McDonald’s Restaurant on the High Street, insisted it was the right decision.
"I am pleased that the police decided not to object and I think it was the right decision," said Mr Duncan, who added it made sense to align the restaurants’ opening hours with clubs so revellers can also purchase food.
Topkapi and Zoom takeaways are both based on Baron Taylor Street.
The three food outlets can now stay open on selected nights until 4am up until 2nd January.
Bank Street-based late night spot Johnny Foxes and The Den and The Karma Lounge, on Young Street, will be open until 4am during the festive period, with lap dancing bar Private Eyes also seeking extended opening times.
