31 May 2011

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart has called for the 'midnight curfew' , which restricts entrance to pubs and clubs in Inverness, to be lifted during the 2011 Barclays Scottish Open golf tournament at Castle Stuart from July 7 to 10.

His plea came after recent meetings with Northern Constabulary's Chief Constable George Graham and city centre manager David Haas about the current city centre curfew.

Mr Graham said he would discuss the issue with his operational officers and partner agencies and report back to Mr Stewart.

Mr Stewart also wrote to Highland Council's Chief Executive Alistair Dodds to see whether the licensing Board could meet to discuss the matter, and at least look at relaxing the curfew during the Scottish Open.

He has also written to the local licensing forum on this issue.

Mr Stewart said: “I have been approached by a number of people whose nights have been spoilt through getting caught out by this curfew.

"I have to agree with them that it confuses tourists, does more to stagnate than to encourage our vibrant night life and also unnecessarily inconveniences folk in the town at the weekend.

"I feel it would be worthwhile to temporarily drop the curfew during the Scottish Open, then assess the results and investigate the general claim that the curfew reduces unruly behaviour in the city centre."