A LOCAL publican has hit back in the row over extended weeknight drinking time in Peebles town centre.

Last week, the Peeblesshire News revealed that members of Peebles Community Council had spoken out against an application from the Central Bar in Northgate to remain open until 1am on a Thursday.

But owner Roddy MacKay insists he is not looking for special treatment. “I would ask if the Community Council are in touch with Peebles,” he said.

“Fifteen years ago the first publican in the town got a 1am licence, now most pubs stay open to 1am. So we are not looking for anything above and beyond what is already occurring. “It’s a bit late in the day to say the last bar to get a late licence is going to open the floodgates.” With the opening of the new Wetherspoons competition in the area has increased, and MacKay believes that the council should take a pragmatic approach as local businesses try to stay afloat.

“When it was first touted that Wetherspoons would buy the Cross Keys, we were told to up our game. There are various things we can look at, but extended licensing hours is an obvious one, and it would make a difference to us.

“Scottish Borders Council are capable of doing some great work, but I think they should have the full story before they make out that this would be in any way bad for the town.”