Scotland - Edinburgh Licensing Board refuses off licence variation on overprovision grounds

An application by Sainsbury’s in West Port, Edinburgh to increase the space for display of beer and wine in two chiller cabinets has been refused by the City of Edinburgh Licensing Board.

The refusal is the first by the Board on overprovision grounds and was implemented as it was deemed the area in question was saturated with pubs and off-sales premises. The Board voted four to three against the application.

Agents on behalf of the applicant (not us!) had argued that the increase was necessary due to customer demand and to allow for the provision of more products and choice.