Licence review to be carried out into Spiggie Hotel

A REVIEW is to be held into the Spiggie Hotel over alleged non-payment of premises licence fees.

The company behind the hotel has not yet paid two instalments, worth a total of £140, which were due earlier this year.

Members of Shetland’s licensing board met on Monday to agree to carry out the review.

The board also heard that there is no evidence that the hotel is currently trading.

The South Mainland hotel, which has six rooms, and two self-catering apartments, was bought by Christopher and Missa Lee in 2017.

The board heard that Christopher Lee, the director of the company running the hotel, had requested to pay the 2020/21 annual licensing fee of £280 in four instalments of £70.

The first instalment was paid in October, and the second – due on 1 January 2021 – was paid on 26 February.

Council solicitor Keith Adam told Monday’s meeting that the circumstances around the second payment had raised some concerns about the business.

As of this morning (Monday) payments due on 1 April and 1 July have not been paid, despite reminder letters being sent via ‘signed for’ delivery.

Over this time the company – Enjoy the Fruit Ltd – had also changed its registered address without informing the board.

Adam told the board that with officers unsure about the status of the hotel, “we don’t know when, if ever, the fee will be paid”.

The board agreed to carry out a premises licence review, with Christopher Lee invited to attend.

Lee has been approached for comment.