Beer garden bid at Hawick rugby ground kicked into touch for now

Bosses at Hawick Rugby Club plan to turn the pitch at their Mansfield Park ground into an open-air drinking area over the summer and they had been planning to open it to the public at 4pm today.

That launch has had to be cancelled, however, due to a licensing issue, but discussions between club officials and Scottish Borders Council officers are ongoing in the hope that an opening can be rearranged later this week or, if not, as soon as possible afterwards.

The club had been planning today’s beer garden launch for weeks but had to put it on hold after it emerged last week that its existing licence doesn’t cover its pitch.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Following extensive work and discussions with Scottish Borders Council, we require to change the beer garden event.

“There are, understandably, many health and safety issues, and we are working hard to resolve these so you can enjoy a pint together in safety. That’s our priority.

“We hope to announce a series of beer garden events as soon as possible, subject to council approval, and will be in touch with those who have already booked to modify your bookings shortly.

“We are grateful to you all for your support and patience.

“We’d also like to thank our local councillors and officers, as well as our group of volunteer helpers, who are all putting in the hours to get this up and running.

“We’ll update you as soon as we have further news.”

It is intended that the beer garden, inspired by a similar one opened by Barrow Raiders in Cumbria, will be open from 4pm to 8pm from Monday to Thursday, from noon to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 4pm on Sundays.