An Edinburgh councillor has slammed a decision to "rubber stamp" alcohol licences for two new additions to the St James Quarter, saying it makes "a complete mockery" of the local authority's policy on the over provision of booze in the city centre.
Chas Booth, Greens, argued that licences for a cocktail bar and interactive football experience set to open in the shopping centre soon should have been refused by the council due the impact of "excessive availability of alcohol" on local residents.
The licensing board approved the two applications on Monday (November 28) after councillors visited the premises.
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Cllr Cathy Fullerton, SNP, said the recent site visit was worthwhile and added plans to open a 'Botanist' premium bar are "very exciting".
Members also welcomed the proposals to bring TOCA Social, which brands itself the 'world's first interactive football and dining experience, to the St James Quarter in the first to open outside of London.
Commenting on the news that the licence applications for TOCA and the Botanist were approved, Cllr Booth, Edinburgh Greens' member of the licensing board said: "These decisions make a complete mockery of the licensing board policy that we should restrict new alcohol licences in the Old Town and Leith Street area.
"We know that excessive availability of alcohol has a negative impact on public health; can make the lives of local residents a misery and often fuels crime and disorder."
He added: "If board members continue to simply rubber-stamp every new liquor application in this area, then the policy clearly isn't worth the paper it's written on."
TOCA will now join a range of activities available in the city's newest shopping complex and follows success at London's o2 which boasts three bars, selfie booths, arcade machines and a 'Willy Wonka inspired dessert room' alongside the flagship immersive football games.
Meanwhile The Botanist's first ever venue in Scotland will offer visitors "lavish botanical themed interiors, world-famous quirky cocktails and signature hanging kebabs".
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