A community café and art gallery has had to promise neighbours that they have no plans to turn it back into a pub after being granted a licence to sell alcohol.
Concern about the changes to Dukes of West Barns were sparked after they asked East Lothian Licensing Board to let them serve alcohol four years after previous operators had their licence revoked over reports of violent incidents and watered down vodka being sold.
Neighbours raised concerns that the new licence would mean a return to problems in the past, however a meeting of the board heard the current venue was a very different business.
Audrey Junner, representing the premises, told the board: “There are real concerns which relate to incidents involving previous operators.
“It was a very difficult time for neighbours. We are looking to reassure them there are no plant to change the current arrangement or turn the business into a public house.”
The former pub, known as West Barns Inn and then No. 5 Duke Street, closed four years ago 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.
The current owners took over later that year and carried out extensive work to turn it into a cafe with art studios and a gallery which opened the following year.
They said the plan was to allow the cafe to service alcohol and occasional events offering a glass of wine.
Board members agreed the licence however reduced the hours they would be able to serve alcohol outdoors from the requested 10pm stop to 8pm as well as adding a condition barring live or amplified music in the outdoors area.
Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, board member said: “I think this will build confidence with the neighbours which has nothing to do with this business but their past experience.”
