The Aberdeenshire Licensing Board met on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, to discuss a range of licensing applications and policy matters. Key decisions included the granting of several major variations to premises licences, including for Strathbogey Service Station, Kite Dinnet Aboing, Maud Football Club, Banff Town and County Club, Drum of Wartle Filling Station, and Drumlithy Inn. The Board also granted provisional premises licences for the Strong Water Company and Craig Ewan House. A hearing was held for Big Manny's Pizza in Peterhead concerning the council's overprovision policy, and a decision was made to grant the provisional premises licence. Additionally, the Board addressed a competent objection for Della Café and Bistro, finding it not competent and thus granting the licence. Tesco in Banff had a major variation application granted, and a personal licence application for Adam Crookshank was also approved. Finally, the Board approved the committee cycle dates for 2027-2028 and noted the date of the next meeting.

Applications for Premises and Provisional Premises Licences

The Board considered several applications for premises and provisional premises licences.

• The Strong Water Company in Ballater was granted a provisional premises licence. The licence allows for on and off-sales from 11 am to 11 pm daily for off-sales and 10 am to 10 pm for on-sales. Conditions recommended by the Licensing Standards Officer (LSO) were agreed upon, including general management, noise control, and CCTV requirements. Children will be permitted in the retail area when accompanied by an adult.
• Craig Ewan House, located outside Fraserburgh in Rathen, was granted a provisional premises licence for off-sales only. The premises will operate from 10 am to 10 pm daily, with alcohol sales being low volume and aimed at a luxury market, delivered via third-party couriers. The LSO recommended conditions related to risk assessments for alcohol delivery, including age verification and refusal logs. The applicant agreed to all recommended conditions, including excluding click and collect services.

Applications for Major Variation of Premises Licences

Several applications for major variations to existing premises licences were discussed and granted.

• Strathbogey Service Station in Huntly sought to amend off-sale commencement hours on Sundays to 10 am and to specify reduced trading hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. The variation was granted as applied for.
• Kite Dinnet Aboing applied for a variation to include the provision of short-term lets at the premises. It was noted that these short-term lets would not be subject to alcohol sales. The variation was granted as applied for.
• Maud Football Club in Maud sought to amend on-sale and off-sale hours, introduce seasonal variations for specific dates, and add extended hours for events. They also sought to add various activities such as karaoke, film nights, and fundraising events. The application was granted, subject to agreed local conditions and an updated constitution.
• Banff Town and County Club applied to amend on-sale and off-sale hours, introduce seasonal variations for events, and add a wide range of activities including film showings, craft fairs, and business functions. They also sought permission to place marquees on the bowling green for occasional events. The application was granted as applied for, subject to agreed local conditions.
• Drum of Wartle Filling Station in Meikle Wartle sought to amend off-sale core hours, add background music and food/alcohol delivery services as activities, and amend the capacity and layout plans following refurbishment. The variation was granted, subject to agreed local conditions.
• Drumlithy Inn sought to amend the premises name to Steeple Cafe Bar, vary on-sale and off-sale commencement hours, reduce terminal on-sale hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and add various activities including conference facilities and bar meals. They also sought to amend children's access rules and update layout plans to include additional outdoor space. The variation was granted in principle, subject to the receipt of an updated operating plan and agreed local conditions.

Application for Provisional Premises Licence - Big Manny's Pizza/Keystore

A hearing was held for an application for a provisional premises licence for Big Manny's Pizza, also known as Key Store, at 17 Broad Street, Peterhead. The application was brought to a hearing due to Peterhead being identified as an area with overprovision of off-sale premises under the Board's policy. The applicant, represented by Mr. Emsley, argued that the business was food-led, with alcohol sales being ancillary. They highlighted significant investment, local employment, and a lack of issues during a period of trading under occasional licences. The Licensing Standards Officer, Kevin MacDonald, stated he could not support the application due to the overprovision policy. After deliberation, the Board granted the application, acknowledging the applicant had justified a departure from policy.

Application for Personal Licence - Adam Crookshank

An application for a personal licence was heard for Adam Crookshank. The Chief Constable had lodged a notice regarding a military offence. Mr. Crookshank explained the incident, stating it was a company smoker event where banter was common, and the situation was blown out of proportion, leading to a trial and discharge from the army. PC Stewart confirmed the offence was relevant for five years under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. After questioning and deliberation, the Board unanimously granted the application, being satisfied that none of the grounds for refusal applied.

Combined Annual Functions and Finance Report 2025-2026

Fiona Stewart, Depute Clerk, presented the Combined Functions and Finance Report for the financial year 2025-2026. The report detailed the Board's achievements, compliance with policy and licensing objectives, income, and expenditure. Positives highlighted included a continuing early intervention approach by LSOs and Police Scotland, resulting in no licence reviews. The report also noted an increase in major variation applications, reflecting changing trading practices and economic pressures. Financials showed a slight increase in income and a reduction in expenses, resulting in a profit, though a significant outstanding legal bill was noted. The Board considered the report and approved its terms, authorising the Clerk to publish it on the Board's website and submit it to the Scottish Government.

Date of Next Board Meeting

The Board noted that the next meeting would be held on 26th August 2026.

Extension to Closure of Licensed Premises Hearings

The Board considered requests for extensions to the closure of licensed premises.

• White Heather Hotel, Turriff: A request for a further extension to closure was considered. The premises had been closed for essential maintenance since 2023, with significant cash flow issues and a fire causing further damage. Despite quotes being obtained, no actual work had commenced post-fire. Board members expressed concerns about the lack of progress and the extended period of closure. The decision was made that the licence had ceased to have effect under Section 28.5 of the Act due to the premises ceasing to be used for the sale of alcohol and insufficient evidence of progress towards reopening.
• Dunecht Sports Bar: A request for an extension to closure was considered. The premises had been closed since November 2024, with no formal timetable for works or indication of when it might reopen. Board members noted the lack of progress and the potential for a new licence to be applied for if a sale occurred. The Board decided not to grant the extension, determining the licence had ceased to have effect.
• The Vale Hotel, Fyvie: A request for a further extension to closure was considered. The hotel had been closed since 2023, with significant refurbishment plans delayed by cash flow issues and a subsequent fire. While planning permission was granted, building warrants were not confirmed. The Board agreed to grant a further six-month extension, with the requirement for the licence holder to return to the Board for reconsideration, providing substantial evidence of progress.
• Kintore Arms Hotel, Inverurie: A request for a further extension to closure was considered. The hotel had been closed since 2023 due to essential maintenance, followed by significant fire damage. While quotes had been obtained, no actual work had commenced. The Board expressed concerns about the lack of progress and the extended period of closure. The decision was made that the licence had ceased to have effect under Section 28.5 of the Act.

Applications for Occasional Licence - Repeated Application Policy

BrewDog Inverurie submitted three applications for occasional licences to cover consecutive trading periods between 20th September and 29th October 2026. These applications were brought before the Board due to the repeated use of occasional licences, exceeding three months. The applicants explained that they had acquired the premises after the previous licence holder went into administration and were awaiting the determination of a full premises licence application. The Board granted these three occasional licences, acknowledging the ongoing process for a full premises licence.

Board Meeting Dates for Committee Cycle 2027-2028

The Board agreed the proposed dates for Board Meetings for the committee cycle from 1st May 2027 to 30th April 2028. Acknowledging a potential clash for the June 2027 meeting, two alternative dates were proposed, with officers to confirm the final date. It was noted that physical meetings would take place at Woodhill House, Aberdeen, but Board meetings would continue to be held virtually.

Date of Next Board Meeting

The next Board meeting was scheduled for 26th August 2026.