Renfrewshire Licensing Board has decided to maintain its existing approach of limiting the number of pubs operating in Paisley town centre.

Councillors voted unanimously to continue the Board’s current policy which states that the town centre is overprovided for in terms of pubs.

Bull Inn Paisley

That means that any new application for a public house would have to argue on the basis it merits an exemption to the overprovision policy.

The restriction doesn’t apply to hotels, restaurants or nightclubs.

Councillors rejected options to extend the overprovision policy to a wider area of Paisley town centre and also to restrict the number of off-licences in a dozen communities in Paisley and Renfrew.

Councillor Alex Murrin, Convener of Renfrewshire Licensing Board, said: “The board studied all the issues and decided to continue what has proved to be a balanced and successful approach to the availability of licensed premises in Paisley town centre.

“Our approach to licensing issues takes in a wide range of factors including community safety, health, and the prevention of crime.

“The policy that we first adopted of limiting the number of pubs in the town centre has worked and has contributed to a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour.

“Renfrewshire Licensing Board has shown that we won’t hesitate to suspend licences or close premises when standards fall below what the Board expects.

“As a licensing authority we also work with partner organisations and the licensed trade to provide a framework for business to develop and to address health, antisocial behaviour and community safety issues.

“We are aiming to continue that approach for the benefit of residents, visitors, businesses and communities.”

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X