Bars given green light to open later over festive period

REVELLERS will be able to enjoy the festive season for even longer this Christmas, after councillors approved extended licenses for the isles’ pubs and clubs. 

All on-sale licensed premises in Shetland which are usually open until 1am will be able to stay open an extra hour from 21 December until 5 January 2025.

And nightclubs such as Trench – which are licensed to remain open until 3am at weekends only – can open until 3am any night they chose during that 16-day period.

Shetland Islands Council’s licensing board approved the extension at a short meeting this morning (Thursday).

Councillor Moraig Lyall, however, encouraged people not to take the extensions as a sign to behave inappropriately over the festive period.

“I would urge everyone to enjoy the festive season in a way that is fun for everyone, including our emergency authorities and police,” she said.

She said she did not want to read stories in the New Year of people being locked up or charged because they had drunk too much.

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Board chairman Neil Pearson said he was “quite happy” to approve the extension, allowing Shetlanders to enjoy the festive season for even longer.

He wished everyone a merry Christmas and encourage people to “drink responsibly”.

“Let’s make this season one of kindness and community,” he said.

“Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy festive season.”