New hotel has ‘no requirement for off sales’

An application has been made which, if approved, would enable the Moorfield Hotel to operate off sales between 10am and 10pm, seven days a week.

The move has prompted an objection from the Delting Community Council, which queries the need for off sales at a hotel.

Owners of Tagon Stores in Voe, Scott and Phoebe Preston, have also raised concerns over proposals.

In a letter to the council the couple argue there is already suitable provision in Brae and Voe to cater for off-sales requirements.

They point to the Brae Garage, the Co-op, Mid Brae Inn and the Brae Hotel as examples.

“Since the hotel is a residence there is no real requirement for off sales,” they state.

“This, coupled with the extreme hours requested for on-sales, leads us to this objection.

“We would appreciate it if the board would refuse the request for the licence as applied for, and apply an on-sales only licence.”

BDL – the organisation behind the Moorfield – hopes to sell alcohol on the premises from 8am to 1am all week.

An opening time of 11am for on-sales is usually preferred by the licensing authority, although it insists each case is considered on its merit.

The hotel is being built largely to accommodate workers on the new Total gas plant.

The letter from Mr and Mrs Preston adds: “Were it not for the fact that many of the residents of the hotel are shift workers we would also feel strongly that the on-sales hours applied for are far in excess of those needed to provide a suitable hotel environment.

“However we do appreciate that workers/residents will be coming off shift early in the morning and will be grateful for a drink at the end of their day and evening workers will require a drink at the end of their normal working day.”

The application will come before the council’s area licensing board on Friday.