An Aberdeen bar is facing objections from police and local residents over plans to remove bouncers from its doors.
The Office, on Crown Street, has applied to the city’s licensing board for permission to ditch the requirement to have stewards in place from 11pm onwards.
The pub also wants to revise the rules on allowing children onto the premises, with a proposed extension from the current time of up to 8pm to 10pm.
Residents have voiced fears that the move may generate more work for the police – and that allowing the request could prompt other bars in the area to follow suit.
One letter to the board raises concerns over “drunk and abnormal” patrons who require to be kept out of licensed premises late at night.
Police said the owners have not “elaborated” on the reasons why it was felt necessary to remove door staff.
The letter from the force states: “The applicant’s agent has advised Police Scotland that the intention is for the premises to continue to operate as a public house, with more emphasis on the provision of food.
“The chief constable notes that the premises is situated within an area of ‘on sales’ over-provision as detailed in the Aberdeen City Licensing Board Statement of Licensing Police 2013-2016 and where statistically there is the likelihood (of) alcohol related violence and disorder occurring.”
The police want to see the venue ensuring that door stewards are on duty from 11pm on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
Meanwhile, Murdo’s bar on Cairncry Road has applied to extend the size of its outdoor drinking area and to allow children to remain on the premises up until 9pm.
Police have warned a number of conditions will have to be applied if the outdoor space is to be increased.
Signs would have to be erected to ensure customers carrying alcohol don’t leave the area, which would have to be clearly marked by ropes or some other form of barrier.
Members of the licensing board will consider both applications at a meeting on Tuesday.