Highland Licensing Board abolishes midnight door entry policy

7th November 2012

Members of The Highland Licensing Board have voted to abolish the door entry policy for premises with late night opening hours, which requires admission by midnight, with the change set to take effect after the board’s next scheduled meeting on 18 December, this year.

Convener Councillor Maxine Smith used her casting vote in favour of change after a 5-5 vote following a hearing involving a number of presentations from invited parties from each of the “for/against” sides of the argument to retain or remove the door entry policy.

Premises affected by the policy have it as a specific condition of their licence that entry be by midnight. The Board will require to review each affected premises to specifically remove this condition.

The Board have called a special meeting for Tuesday 20 November at 10.30am and thereafter will meet on Tuesday 18 December as a Board to ratify this. This will affect the 11 premises throughout the Highlands governed by the “curfew” policy (7 in Inverness, 2 in Aviemore and 2 in Thurso).

Councillor Smith said: “I am pleased that we have considered all sides of the argument with regard to retaining the “curfew” policy. After doing this and taking everything into account, it was my view that the door entry policy did not unequivocally work towards achieving the Licensing Objectives.

“Although those “for” its retention may argue differently, the evidence they presented to the Board was not overwhelming. Also due to other actions put into place since the policy was adopted, such as having all stewards SIA trained; improved communications protocols, CCTV and the increased police officers on the beat introduced by the Scottish Government, it could not be concluded that the door entry policy alone, is responsible for a decrease in crime statistics.”

Councillor Smith added: “There is a massive strength of feeling among those wishing to have the freedom to access clubs at any time before closing; this includes patrons and visitors alike. There is a danger of portraying the Highlands as a “no go” area, when the Highlands is the safest region in Scotland.

“Taking into account all of the above the Board decided to abolish the policy in the Highlands and sincerely urges all night clubs to respect this decision.

“The Board is open to working with the licensed trade on other policy reviews over the coming months and we will move this forward in a spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding.”

Presentations were made to the Board from those in favour of retaining the Policy: Northern Constabulary, NHS Highland and from those against the Policy: the Banish the Inverness Curfew Campaign, the SLTA and one trade representative for each side.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

Secret HQ Move: Is Highland Council Chasing Savings or Just Shuffling the Deck?

A storm is brewing behind closed doors at Glenurquhart Road.  Recent private discussions have revealed plans for Highland Council to potentially abandon its historic headquarters and relocate to Great Glen House, the current £13 million base of NatureScot.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

Committee to consider 1 April 2027 start date for Short-Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to agree that Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) for Inverness City and Highland Rural come into effect from 1 April 2027.   The recommendation to the Committee follows the decision by Scottish Government Ministers on 26 October 2026 to approve designation of the STLCAs, which are an important tool to manage future loss of housing stock, support sustainable communities and balance housing needs with the visitor economy.  Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Following Scottish Government approval, the Council can now move forward with implementing these STLCAs, which will help us strike a better balance between supporting tourism growth and protecting much-needed housing for local people.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Key decisions made to improve Highland Bereavement Services

Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme.   Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Council-owned D&E Coaches delivers £700k profit while supporting Highland transport

D&E Coaches has recorded a £700,000 profit after tax in its first full year under Highland Council ownership.   The Council purchased the coach and bus operator in March 2025 to support the ongoing provision of sustainable and reliable transport services across the Highlands.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Abandoned Vehicles Policy approved by Highland Councillors

Members of The Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee have approved a new Policy on Abandoned Vehicles that will provide a framework for investigating, assessing and enforcement against abandoned vehicles across the region.   Chair of Communities and Place, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “I welcome this new policy which will help to make a difference in communities where the nuisance of abandoned vehicles arises.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Funding success builds on Highland Council’s commitment to warmer, energy efficient homes

Climate Change Committee Members have welcomed news that The Highland Council has successfully secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27.  This grant funding will support retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner occupier, private rented and Council owned houses across the Highlands.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Council to commission independent review of licensing

Members of The Highland Council have today approved the commissioning of an independent external review of the Council’s licensing arrangements following a Council motion approved on 17 September 2026.   The review will consider governance, decision-making processes and opportunities for improvement.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

Additional school in-service days agreed - Helping teachers prepare for major curriculum changes

Local councils will be able to request up to two extra in-service days this academic year, so that teachers can prepare for the most significant curriculum changes in more than a decade.   The Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) which brings together the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA, and teaching unions has agreed up to two additional in-service days, which will form part of multi-year support for implementation of the updated curriculum.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

The Payday Heist: Why Your Payroll System Might Be a Fraudster’s Easiest Target

Imagine a dedicated employee logs into their bank account on payday, only to find it completely empty.  When they contact HR, the records show their salary was successfully processed but sent to an entirely different bank account.  

5/11/2026 : Local Authority

Paper Targets vs. Human Crises: The Reality of the Highland Housing Strategy

The Highland Council’s newly unveiled Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2027–2032 paints a glossy, optimistic picture of the region's future.   It promises a steady pipeline of 700 affordable homes a year, framed alongside a booming £10–£16 billion "Growth Deal" linked to green freeports and renewable energy expansion.