Gavin Nicol and Dave Innes have now spoken to a representative from the Licensing Authority, and we now have a much clearer understanding of our (and parents')responsibilities.

While the law (Licensing Act (Scotland) 1976) clearly states that children under 14 should not be in the bar, there is scope for interpretation of what is defined by "the bar". The following points serve as guidance: 

1. Under no circumstances should any children be at the bar - i.e. standing or seated or asking to be served. If a child requires a soft drink, then this must be purchased by an adult. This is the most important part of the law, and must be enforced.

2. There is no problem whatsoever with children going through the bar while accessing another area of the building - e.g. the deck or the changing rooms.

3. It is deemed to be OK for children to be in the bar if they stay away from the counter area and remain either at the sides or at the back of the lounge, preferably behind one of the partitions that are currently in place - it is accepted that this is difficult to police, and as long as we are seen to be attempting this, the Licensing Authority will be happy.

4. Because the shutters are not yet in place, when the bar is closed, towels should be draped over the beer fonts and optics. This is the responsibility of the barman and the Committee. 

So the message is - keep bringing the bairns, but we would ask all parents or responsible adults to help us to follow the guidelines above - children are your responsibility when they are in the building. 

I hope that this clears the position up - if anyone has any other queries then I will be only too happy to try to answer them. Meanwhile the wording of the notices will be changed to reflect the above guidelines.