A MULL tearoom has had its premises licence granted, allowing it to open later on weekends during its opening season.
Arlene’s Coffee Shop, in Craignure, wanted to be allowed to serve later evening meals and had been operating under an occasional licence.
The Argyll and Bute licensing board, consisting of councillors from across the area, agreed to grant the full licence at a meeting on Tuesday, September 23.
Agent Christine Roberts told the board: “The premises is right on the seafront in Craignure, established since 2011 and serving light lunches and snacks, along with chocolates and home baking.
“It is open most of the summer and tends to close over the winter, although Arlene hopes to extend her opening hours.
“They have operated with an occasional licence for about six weeks, and wish to increase that to a premises licence. Arlene and her mother have personal licences. They hope to serve customers who are residents of the island and visitors.”
Licensing standards officer Jacklyn Robertson added: “They are proposing to operate on-sales Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 5pm, and Friday to Saturday 11am to 10pm to allow them to serve later evening meals.
“There are no immediate concerns from the environmental health officer, but support can be provided for noise management should it be deemed necessary.”
Councillor Jan Brown (SNP, Mid Argyll) said: “I have seen the premises on Google Street View, and there is parking available in a layby across the main road. Is that where patrons park when they are there?
“I am a bit concerned going into the darker nights, as the road seems to have no lights. It is nothing to do with the tearoom, but has this been thought about in any way?”
Ms Roberts responded: “There is quite a large car park a bit further down the road, near the community centre, providing adequate parking and on the same side of the road as the tearoom.”
Councillor Brown said that she was reassured, and the board unanimously granted the licence.
