Councillors have thrown out an application for a nine-hour booze licence to help celebrate a fifth birthday party at Inverurie Bowling Club.
The plans sparked alarm among appalled elected members, who were “unhappy about the idea of basing a fifth birthday party around alcohol”.
James Whyte had applied to Aberdeenshire Council on behalf of the club, seeking a temporary licence.
He explained that the party would be attended by about 50 people.
Due to take place in February, party planners had been hoping to secure a licence enabling attendees to enjoy a drink from 1pm to 10pm.
However youngsters would have been expected to leave the High Street venue by 8pm.
Nine-hour alcohol licence ‘a bit excessive’
But council officers objected to the proposal, arguing that there’s a “presumption against” licencing child-friendly events like parties and sports days.
They also argued that they were “trying to protect children from harm” when the application was considered by the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board recently.
Licensing standards officer Lisa Godini said it could give children the idea that all parties should involve booze.
She said: “We don’t want to see alcohol consumption being part of a child’s day-to-day life, thinking that it’s normal and alcohol needs to be consumed at such an event.”
Police also objected, as Sgt Neil Grant echoed those concerns.
Councillor Trevor Mason believed the nine-hour licence was “a bit excessive” for a children’s birthday bash and asked if the times could be reduced.
He added: “I’m not happy about the idea of basing a children’s 5th birthday party around alcohol.”
But the East Garioch member was told this was not possible and members would have to deal with what was proposed.
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‘We’ve got to protect the kids’
The plan also raised a number of other doubts with committee members.
Troup councillor Richard Menard asked if any measures were in place to ensure children were accompanied by an adult at all times.
He said: “We’ve got to protect the kids”.
In response, licensing officer Jill Joss explained that this would be a private party and parents would be expected to keep an eye on their youngsters.
However Mr Menard led calls for his colleagues to refuse the licence as it didn’t meet licensing policies relating to events targeted specifically at children.
The move was unanimously backed by the committee and the application was thrown out.
Inverurie Bowling Club is licensed to sell drink, but normally only junior members are the only youngsters are allowed in the building – hence the need for the temporary permission here.
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