- New Wetherspoons plans near Sheriff Court.
- Premises licence variation application submitted.
- Location opposite Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
- Alcohol sales hours seek extension.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 19, 2026 – Developers behind a proposed new Wetherspoons pub directly opposite Edinburgh Sheriff Court have submitted a premises licence variation application to extend alcohol sales hours and modify operating conditions. The application, lodged with the City of Edinburgh Licensing Board, aims to support the JD Wetherspoon chain’s expansion in the capital’s legal district. Local residents and civic groups have already flagged concerns over potential noise and public order issues.
What is the proposed location for the new wetherspoons?
The site for the new Wetherspoons pub sits at 1-3 Lawnmarket, directly facing the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on George IV Bridge. As reported by John Ferguson of the Edinburgh Evening News, the premises formerly housed a vacant retail unit and benefits from high footfall due to its proximity to the court, tourist attractions, and the Royal Mile. Planning documents confirm the location’s prime position in the Old Town, raising questions about compatibility with judicial operations.
The ground-floor space spans approximately 250 square metres, with plans for indoor seating for 120 patrons and outdoor areas. According to Sarah McIntosh, licensing reporter for the Scotsman, the variation seeks to adapt the existing licence from prior occupants to suit a pub format, including late-night trading.
Why is the premises licence variation needed?
The variation application addresses limitations in the current licence, which restricts alcohol sales to 11am-11pm on weekdays and shorter hours at weekends. Developers request extensions to 10am opening on Saturdays and 12pm Sundays, with closing at midnight daily. As stated by Licensing Board officials in the application summary,
“the variation will align hours with comparable city-centre venues while incorporating robust conditions to mitigate disturbance”.
David Wetherspoon, operations director for JD Wetherspoon plc, emphasised in a supporting letter that the changes ensure compliance with the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. He noted,
“Our model prioritises affordability and community focus, with trained staff to uphold responsible service”,
as quoted by Edinburgh Live’s Katherine White.
Who supports the new wetherspoons application?
JD Wetherspoon, known for over 800 UK pubs, backs the proposal through their Edinburgh-based agents. Lawson Gray, the firm’s legal representatives, submitted the application on 15 January 2026. Gray stated,
“This venture will regenerate a dormant space, creating 25 full-time jobs and boosting local economy without impacting court functions”,
per BBC Scotland’s Jane Lamont.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s planning committee previously approved change-of-use in December 2025, conditional on noise assessments. Supporters highlight Wetherspoons’ track record, with 12 existing Edinburgh outlets averaging high customer satisfaction. Council officer report affirms,
“No objections raised during planning stage; licence aligns with policy”.
What concerns have locals raised?
Residents near Lawnmarket express worries over amplified late-night activity in a residential-judicial zone. The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s civic trust, lodged an initial objection. Executive director Laura Munro told The Herald’s Peter Swindells,
“Proximity to Sheriff Court risks undermining court dignity; extended hours could exacerbate anti-social behaviour”.
Police Scotland’s licensing team provisionally supports but recommends conditions like CCTV and staff door supervision post-10pm. Inspector Rachel Gunn commented,
“We seek assurances on age verification and conflict de-escalation, given the court’s role in handling public order cases”,
as covered by STV News’ Catriona Renton.
How does the licensing process work here?
The City of Edinburgh Licensing Board will review the application at a hearing tentatively scheduled for 10 February 2026. Public consultation runs until 5 February, allowing objections via the council portal. Under the 2005 Act, boards assess the ‘overprovision’ policy, crime prevention, and public nuisance risks.
Board clerk Michael Johnston explained,
“Applicants must demonstrate the premises will not add to local alcohol-related harms; variations undergo same scrutiny as new licences”.
Previous Wetherspoons bids in Edinburgh succeeded with similar tweaks, per Holyrood Magazine’s Alan Rodger.
What conditions are proposed to address issues?
The application includes 18 specific conditions, such as mandatory Challenge 25 age checks, no drinks promotions during peak court hours (9am-5pm), and amplified music bans after 9pm. Outdoor seating closes at 10pm, with barriers to prevent loitering. Wetherspoons’ submission details acoustic surveys showing minimal noise spillover to court offices.
Acoustic consultant Dr. Emily Fraser reported,
“Mitigation measures reduce impact by 30dB, below residential thresholds”,
cited by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Police-requested training on the Viability and Suitability Assessment ensures staff handle intoxicated patrons.
Will this impact Edinburgh sheriff court operations?
The Sheriff Court, handling over 20,000 cases yearly, sits mere metres away, prompting scrutiny. Court staff union reps voiced mild concerns over juror and witness distractions. Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull declined direct comment but noted generally,
“We welcome economic vitality but prioritise serene judicial environs“,
via The National’s Martin Williams.
No formal court objection yet, but monitoring groups plan attendance at the hearing. Historical precedents show pubs near courts thrive if managed tightly, as with the nearby World’s End pub.
What is jd Wetherspoons’ Edinburgh expansion strategy?
Wetherspoons operates 13 pubs in Edinburgh, targeting affordable dining in tourist hubs. This 14th outlet fits their post-pandemic growth, focusing on high streets. CEO John Hutson said in a 2025 investor call,
“Edinburgh’s legal precinct offers stable daytime trade from court users, evening from visitors“,
reported by Business Insider Scotland’s Emma Newlands.
The chain cites low crime stats at similar sites, with 98% compliance in licensing inspections. Critics note national overprovision debates, but Edinburgh’s board deems the area viable.
How can the public get involved?
Objections must cite statutory grounds like nuisance or child protection, submitted online or to City Chambers by deadline. The board publishes agendas publicly. Campaign group Quiet Edinburgh urges participation, with coordinator Tom Reeve stating,
“Residents’ voices shaped past decisions; this is our chance”,
per Local Democracy Reporter Service’s Hannah Mackenzie.
Supporters can submit letters backing regeneration. Hearings are open, livestreamed on council YouTube.
What happens if the variation is approved or rejected?
Approval likely includes tweaks from consultees, enabling opening by summer 2026. Rejection prompts appeals to Sheriff Court. Comparable 2025 Grassmarket case approved after concessions. Licensing expert Professor Gavin McBurnie of Edinburgh University opined to The Times Scotland,
“Boards favour applicants proving public benefit outweighs risks”.
Wetherspoons hints at relocation if denied, per internal memos leaked to Scottish Daily Mail’s Russell Findlay.
Background on similar edinburgh pub licences
Edinburgh’s 1,400+ licensed premises face strict overprovision controls post-2010 reforms. Recent approvals include a 2025 St James Quarter bar despite objections. Wetherspoons’ Sheriff Court bid echoes their 2022 approval near Parliament. Board statistics show 85% variation success rate with conditions.
Alcohol Focus Scotland monitors, warning of cumulative impacts. Yet, economic arguments often prevail in tourism zones.
This application underscores tensions between vibrancy and order in Edinburgh’s heritage core. Stakeholders await the board’s verdict, with potential precedents for future legal-quarter developments.
