A Peaky Blinder star’s late night appearance at an Ayr pub caused a drama a because the venue must open until 3.30am especially for him.
Packy Lee who plays Johnny Dogs in the hit BBC crime gang series is booked to arrive at the Buf tomorrow night (October 26).
But sceptical councillors were unsure about whether the Belfast celebrity’s visit to the town was “special” enough to justify allowing the venue to shut at 3.30am.
Craig Mackay, chairman of South Ayrshire Council's licensing board, said: “I have difficulty with this Mr Lee guy who I have never heard of before. Is it worth the extra hour?”
Representing the Buf, solicitor Brian Dunlop, said Packy Lee is a “well- known actor and professional DJ.”
He told the board meeting Packy “will arrive late at 1am for a meet and greet” as he has a previous appointment.
Packy’s character on screen is crime baron Thomas Shelby’s go to man in the violent Peaky Blinders drama set after the First World War.
The hit show-based in Birmingham attracted millions of viewers during its last series.
The Buf applied to close at 3.30am for a total of three “special” events around the Halloween period, including the Peaky Blinders date.
It normally shuts at 2.30am. The plans include a party of Ayr and District Young Farmers Club tonight (Friday, October 25) and a student event with a karaoke competition on October 31.
Labour councillor Andy Campbell blasted the nightspot’s application for later closures as “special lucky bags of nonsense.”
Earlier, Mr Dunlop pointed out "special" is defined as out of the ordinary and said the Buf is not in the habit of making requests for late opening.
He pointed out other nightspots had been granted extended hours recently and asked councillors for a “level playing field”
Tory councillor Lee Lyons said the Buf should get late opening for all three nights.
But the nightspot was told it could have one night only for a later hour by the licensing board.
The Arthur Street premises chose the Peaky Blinders gig.
Mr Dunlop said there is no time to appeal the decision, which refused the two other extended hours applications.
Councillor Mackay said: “It is in everyone’s interest to get applications in as soon as possible.”
The decision was made at a licensing board meeting yesterday.
