Fjara given formal approval for extended dining area

LERWICK cafe and bar Fjara has been given approval from Shetland’s licensing board to extend its dining area by 16 seats as part of its recent extension.

It follows the venue previously being given occasional licences to serve alcohol in the extension through to yesterday (21 February).

At a meeting of the licensing board on Monday, Shetland West councillor Catherine Hughson said the hospitality trade has suffered during the pandemic and having the extension would give Fjara a “better footing to help them come through this”.

Board chairman Cecil Smith, who represents Lerwick South, said it was admirable that the extension work was developed and completed during the pandemic.

“During these difficult times the management and staff have done everything possible to accommodate their customers safely,” he added.

Smith moved that the variation to the building’s layout plan be approved, with Lerwick member Malcolm Bell seconding.