A former East Lothian pub which has been transformed into an art gallery and cafe has sparked concern from neighbours after applying for a licence to sell alcohol.
Dukes of West Barns has asked East Lothian Licensing Board to allow it to serve drinks in the cafe and at events in the art gallery which also has two artists studios attached.
However the application has sparked concern from neighbours who remember when the building was the village pub and lived with noise and antisocial behaviour.
The pub, known as West Barns Inn and then no5 Duke Street, closed four years ago after its licence was reviewed over claims of violent incidents in the bar and watered down vodka being sold.
One neighbour tells the licensing board “having lived in Duke Street for more than 30 years we are only too familiar with the antisocial and disruptive elements during operations by previous licence holders.”
Another adds: “When the premises previously operated as the West Barns Inn, we were in the position of experiencing the operation of this establishment and the numerous issues which can and did arise.”
The pub closed its doors in 2022 after facing a licence review over reports of brawls outside the pub, fire exits secured using bicycle locks and claims that watered down vodka was being served.
It had previously closed for more than a year for a major renovation but the board heard that within months of reopening there were five antisocial behaviour reports generated from the pub.
It was also reported that changes to its layout, and outdoor beer garden and table and chairs on the street outside were all done without permission while the premises manager at the time was accused of having “contempt” for licensing laws.
Neighbours who recalled their previous experience with the licensed premises called on the licensing board to consider the impact on them when it comes to a new licence for the current operators with particular concern about noise, plans for outdoor seating and any music events.
The board’s licensing standards officer has asked members to consider a condition restricting music or public entertainment being held in the outside area if they approve the licence.
The board will discuss the application later this week.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
