CHILDREN and young people will be allowed access to an East End brewery later in the evening after a bid to allow young people until midnight was rejected.

The West Brewery at Glasgow Green applied to Glasgow City Council’s licensing board for a licence to serve alcohol until 12am daily, and allow 0 to 17-year-olds to stay on-site provided they have a meal from the kitchen which closes at 11pm.

But the licensing Board decided instead to grant an amended proposal of licences until 9pm and 11pm.

To grant the request would have been against curent licensing guidelines, approved at the end of 2018, only allow children to remain within a licensed premise until 9pm and young people 11pm with an adult.

The application was discussed by the licensing board on Friday.

Elaina Smith, of Glasgow city health and social care partnership, said: “We object to the proposals to allow children and young people on the premises until 12am.

“We are concerned that this is not appropriate and suggest that is does not comply with the boards policy to keep children and young people safe from harm.

“I would ask that children only be permitted up until 9pm and young people 11pm.”

It was argued that because the West Brewery was a “novel” destination an exception should be made in this circumstance.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Stephen McGowan of TLT solicitors, said: “The West Brewery has an excellent reputation for being a family friendly venue. This is recognised by customers.

“This is a safe environment for children and young people to be in. The owner does not tolerate children or young people being put in danger.

“Visitors leave comments on Trip Advisor complaining that the licence is restricted.

“This is a novel site.”

Councillor Bill Butler said: “You have presented an ingenious argument to ask for an exception to be made in a policy which was only agreed at the end of last year.

“Why should we shift from a policy which we spent months working on. Do you have any other ingenious arguments?”

Mr McGowan responded: “I am trying to convince your honours that this venue is somewhat novel. It is unique.

Councillor Margaret Morgan said: “You say this is a novel site but you are asking us to break licensing guidelines.

“If we were to grant this we may have unique venues springing up all over Glasgow.”

Following a discussion members agreed to grant the licence for children until 9pm and  young peole until 11pm if they are with an adult.