The Scottish Borders Licensing Board met on Friday 19 June 2026 to consider applications for variations to premises licences and extensions to operating hours. The board was scheduled to discuss proposals for The Tontine Hotel in Peebles and the Besom Inn in Coldstream.

Variation of Premises Licence for The Tontine Hotel, Peebles

The board was scheduled to consider an application from Tontine Operations Limited to vary the premises licence for The Tontine Hotel¹ on High Street, Peebles². The proposed variations included the provision of a temporary bar facility in the external area at the front of the premises, making this external area part of the licensed area. This would allow for bar meals, restaurant facilities, and recorded music, with the option to order via an online app. The application also sought to amend the terms of access for children and young persons to include this external area, with the stipulation that it would not be used for the consumption of food or drink after 10:00 pm.

Representations were received from Police Scotland and the Licensing Standards Officer. Police Scotland raised concerns regarding the licensing objective of protecting children from harm, arguing that the addition of a temporary bar in an area adjacent to a busy public pavement could normalise alcohol consumption for children. They also objected to the inclusion of recorded music in the outdoor area, citing potential public nuisance to nearby businesses and residents, and proposed conditions such as noise restrictors, the use of plastic or toughened glasses, the presence of a Designated Premises Manager at all times the bar is open, and CCTV coverage.

The Licensing Standards Officer, Mike Wynne³, also submitted a representation. While not objecting to the overall variation, he highlighted that parts of the application fell outwith the Board's extended hours policy. He noted that the town of Peebles had experienced incidents of disorder and public nuisance in and around public houses and hotels, including assaults, fail to quit incidents, and drug dealing. Mr. Wynne recommended that if the variation were granted, specific conditions should be imposed, including the temporary bar only being used on specific dates such as the Beltane Festival, the Christmas light switch-on, and the Community Shopping Fair. He also suggested conditions for the temporary bar's operation, such as the use of plastic glasses, SIA stewarding, screening of the mobile bar from the pavement, and last orders at 9 pm.

Application for Extension of Hours for The Besom Inn, Coldstream

The board was also scheduled to consider applications for extensions to operating hours for Punch Partnership Limited at The Besom Inn⁴ on High Street, Coldstream⁵, relating to events during Coldstream Civic Week.

One application was for Monday 3 August 2026, for the Sock Event / Ceremony, seeking an extension from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am. This event is described as a tradition where the appointed Right Man has his socks removed and displayed outside the Besom Inn. The requested extension was noted as being outwith the Board's policy.

Another application was for Thursday 6 August 2026, the principal day of Civic Week, which includes a cavalcade and associated events. This application sought two extensions: from 8:00 am to 11:00 am to permit the sale of alcohol with breakfasts, and from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 am. The morning extension was noted as being outwith Board policy, while the late-night extension was within policy.

Finally, an application was made for Saturday 8 August 2026, for the Sing Song Breakfast, seeking an extension from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. This event aims to revive a tradition of community singing and breakfast in the Besom Inn garden. This requested hour extension was also noted as being outwith Board policy.

The Licensing Standards Officer submitted a representation stating that these applications were submitted solely because parts of them fell outwith the Board's extended hours policy, and no objection was otherwise made in relation to the events or the operation of the premises.

The meeting also included a list of licences dealt with under delegated powers, which covered various applications for substitution of Designated Premises Managers, transfers of Premises Licences, grants of Personal Licences, and numerous occasional extensions and occasional licences for events across the Scottish Borders.