Falkirk pub's licence change will allow student chefs to get kitchen experience

A Falkirk town centre bar and restaurant hopes to welcome young students to get practical experience in its kitchen.

Members of Falkirk Council’s licensing board approved a non-minor variation to the licence for The Courtyard in Baxters Wynd, after hearing it will make it easier to welcome students who are training to be chefs with Forth Valley College.

With the licence change The Courtyard's owner Melissa is hoping more student chefs can gain experience in the kitchen.

placeholder image — With the licence change The Courtyard's owner Melissa is hoping more student chefs can gain experience in the kitchen.

Agent Gordon Emslie told the board: “For many young people, looking for work can involve a number of barriers and Melissa is keen to remove as many of those barriers as possible by enabling young persons to gain practical kitchen experience, while balancing the academic side of training to become a chef.”

The licence update also means that children can now be on the premises until 10pm at night if they are having a meal or until the end of any function they are attending.

The Courtyard now offers accommodation on its upper floors and the change will make it easier for visiting families to enjoy a meal together in the evening.

Young people working in the licensed premises can now work between the hours of 7am and 10.30pm, which meets the working time rules for staff under the age of 18.

Mr Emslie said the operator was “futureproofing the business by ensuring it remains welcome to families” and reflects the owner’s “genuine commitment to providing practical, real life experience to young people who have an interest in a career in hospitality”.

The board unanimously approved the application.

Members also approved a non-minor variation for The Grill & Banter in Grangemouth.

The former church, at 50 Bo’ness Road, was built in 1884 and became a Wetherspoons in 2008 before changing hands and eventually closing four years ago.

It was reopened last December as the Grill & Banter by JNS Property, which the board heard was an “experienced operator”.

The licence update means it now has permission to include a pool table and dart board, which members heard had been requested by customers.

Grangemouth councillor Robert Spears said that Grill & Banter had been “a welcome addition to the town centre”, particularly “as a music venue and family orientated establishment”.

The application was approved unanimously.