The Scottish Borders Licensing Board is scheduled to consider applications for variations to premises licences and extensions to operating hours. The meeting will also address reviews of personal and premises licences.

Variation to Premises Licence at The Tontine Hotel, Peebles

A significant item on the agenda is the application by Tontine Operations Limited for a variation to the premises licence for The Tontine Hotel¹ in Peebles. The proposed changes include the provision of a temporary bar facility in the external area at the front of the premises, incorporating this external area into the licensed area for activities such as bar meals, restaurant facilities, and recorded music. The application also seeks to amend the terms for the access of children and young persons to include this external area, with the condition that it will not be used for the consumption of food or drink after 10:00 pm.

Representations have been received from Police Scotland and the Licensing Standards Officer. Police Scotland has raised concerns regarding the licensing objective of protecting children from harm, citing the proximity of the external area to a busy High Street with significant footfall from families and children. They also object to the inclusion of recorded music in the outdoor area due to potential public nuisance for neighbouring businesses and residents. The Licensing Standards Officer, Mike Wynne, has recommended several conditions if the variation is approved, including noise restrictions, the use of plastic or toughened glasses, the presence of a Designated Premises Manager at all times the bar is open, and CCTV coverage.

Extension of Hours Applications for The Besom Inn, Coldstream

The Board is also scheduled to consider applications for extensions of hours for Punch Partnership Limited at The Besom Inn in Coldstream. These applications are related to events during Coldstream Civic Week.

For the Sock Event on Monday 3 August 2026, an extension is sought from 12 midnight to 1:00 am. For Flodden Day on Thursday 6 August 2026, applications include an extension from 8:00 am to 11:00 am for the sale of alcohol with breakfasts, and from 12 midnight to 1:00 am. On Saturday 8 August 2026, for the Sing Song Breakfast, an extension is requested from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Licensing Standards Officer, Mike Wynne, has noted that parts of these applications fall outside the Board's extended hours policy. While no objection is made to the events or the operation of the premises themselves, the report highlights that the requested hours for breakfast events are outwith the Board's policy.

Reviews of Licences

The meeting agenda also includes items that are likely to be taken in private, concerning reviews of licences.

• Review of Personal Licence: Under Section 84A of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, the Board is scheduled to consider an application or request for a review of a Personal Licence following reports of conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives, as received from Police Scotland.
• Review of Premises Licence: Similarly, under Section 36 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, a review of a Premises Licence is scheduled, following reports of conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives received from Police Scotland.

Licences Dealt with Under Delegated Powers

The Board will also receive a report on licences that have been dealt with under delegated powers between 14 May 2026 and 9 June 2026. This list includes various licence substitutions, transfers, and grants of occasional licences and occasional extensions for numerous venues and events across the Scottish Borders.