Falkirk district festive revellers get extra drinking time

Festive drinkers in Falkirk district will be able to enjoy extra hours in local pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Falkirk Council’s licensing board agreed to add to the number of days licensed premises get a general extension of hours over Christmas and New Year.

Board members said the change would support the many pubs and restaurants who have been badly hit by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Members heard that it was too early to say how many licensed premises would not reopen their doors after the period of furlough was over.

But they agreed that Covid-19 had hit the on-sales trade very hard and businesses were still coming to terms with operating in a new way, with social distancing and extra hygiene measures.

The board thanked Falkirk Council officers who have worked with many local businesses to help them get up and running again as safely as possible.

The board granted a general extension of hours for on sales premises on the following dates during the festive period for 2020/21:  Thursday, December 10; Friday, December 11;  Saturday, December 12; Thursday, December 17; Friday,  December 18; Saturday, December 19; Thursday, December 24;

Friday, December 25; Saturday, December 26; Sunday, December 27; Monday, December 28; Tuesday, December 29; Wednesday, December 30; Thursday, December 31; Friday, January 1.