Green light given to a booze licence for a bistro in Earlston High Street

A cafe in Earlston High Street has been granted a booze licence as it prepares to open as an evening bistro – despite noise concerns raised by a neighbour.
Apples for Jam.Apples for Jam.
Apples for Jam.

Apples for Jam submitted a planning application to Scottish Borders Council’s licensing board for a premises licence to serve beer and wine so it could operate as a bistro to open until 9.30pm, two nights a week in the summer.

The established cafe restaurant is located close to a chip shop and the Red Lion Hotel.

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One objection to the bid was received from an immediate neighbour who raised concerns regarding noise from the establishment.

The applicant, John Faichney, said: “We have two cafes in the Borders, one in Melrose and one in Earlston.

"The licence is to serve a few wines and beers to go with the meals, it’s not a drinking den. It will be just to complement the food, which is light bistro food. There is nothing like this in the area and we feel it can only enhance the area.”

The objector said: “My bedroom is directly above the cafe and in pre-Covid times it was very noisy and there is not much in the way of sound proofing. It’s very noisy in normal times so my concern is that if the bistro does take off it is going to impact my day to day life.”

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Councillor Davie Patterson said: “The objector must have known there would have been an element of smell before they bought the property. If she has concerns she needs to raise them with environmental health. I cannot see how we can object to this.”

Tom Weatherson said: “Culture-wise people now like a glass of wine whereas 20 years ago that wasn’t the case.

"From my experience on the licensing board we have never had many complaints over a cafe-type establishment. It doesn’t tend to attract the clientele that cause trouble."