Monty’s granted right to stay open late despite objections

A Lerwick Bistro has been given the freedom to stay open into the small hours six nights a week, despite objections from nearby residents.

Monty’s Bistro and Bar, in Mounthooly Street, can close its doors at 1am, Monday to Saturday, instead of 11.30pm.

Members of the SIC’s area licensing board agreed to the plans after hearing applicant Raymond Smith simply wanted the freedom to close later if he needed to.

The application had prompted a complaint from solicitors Anderson & Goodlad, on behalf of tenants at nearby Kiwi House.

They said the noise and disturbance brought by smokers forced outside because of the smoking ban would only get worse.

A letter from the solicitors said: “Due to the ban on smoking in public places the area situated directly outside the door of the premises is used by diners and patrons of the bar and their friends who wish to smoke.

“This inevitably causes disturbance to the occupiers of Kiwi House. From time to time the noise is so great that the residents are unable to get to sleep and have had cause to complain.”

The letter added there had been cigarette butts lying on the street around the entrance to Monty’s. An external ash-tray, which had been situated at the premises, had since been removed.

“Furthermore, on occasion, usually during bad weather, patrons of the premises have used the passageway forming part of Kiwi House for smoking and as a public toilet, which is, clearly, unacceptable.”