The Auld Hoose Restaurant in Musselburgh has had its alcohol licence revoked after operating without a licensed manager for four years.
The Auld Hoose Restaurant in Musselburgh has found itself at the center of a licensing controversy after its alcohol licence was revoked due to a four-year breach of regulations. The establishment, located on New Street was found to be operating without a licensed manager and failed to provide evidence of staff training in alcohol sales.
The East Lothian Licensing Board recently convened to address the matter, revealing a series of compliance failures that led to the revocation. The restaurant’s owner, Sau Tai Wong was reported to the Procurator Fiscal after an investigation uncovered a lack of knowledge regarding the licensing legislation.
The Unfolding of Compliance Issues
The restaurant first came under scrutiny following complaints from local residents about patrons spilling out onto the street and drinking at outside tables during the summer. A subsequent investigation by the licensing standards officer revealed that the registered premises manager had left in 2026 and the current manager, Ramesh Shrestha was not registered and did not hold a personal licence to sell alcohol.
The officer noted that Mr. Shrestha believed paying the annual fee was sufficient to maintain the premises’ licence. However, the restaurant lacked signs declaring its licence conditions, Challenge 25 policies, and child access policies. Additionally, a full bar, drinks menus, and a recent delivery of wine were on display, indicating ongoing alcohol sales.
The Role of Law Enforcement
Police became involved in the case, speaking with both Mr. Shrestha and Mrs. Wong. A police spokesperson emphasized that the situation arose from a lack of knowledge about the licensing legislation. The spokesperson described the scenario as unusual, noting that a fully licensed bar had been operating without compliance measures other than the premises licence.
As a result, the police submitted a report to the Procurator Fiscal, notifying them that the premises licence holder had been charged with a contravention of section one of the Licensing Scotland Act. This section pertains to serving alcohol not in accordance with the premises licence.
The Board’s Decision
Representatives for Mrs. Wong informed the board that she and her husband had retired and relied heavily on their lawyers for advice. Their daughter, Helen explained that since their lawyer retired, their knowledge of the restaurant’s operations had diminished. The board was tasked with reviewing the premises licence and deciding whether Mrs. Wong was fit and proper to hold it.
After a brief discussion behind closed doors, the board unanimously voted to find Mrs. Wong not fit and proper to hold the licence and ordered its revocation. Board interim chairperson Councillor John McMillan stated, “Mrs. Wong, we have all agreed that you are not a fit and proper person under the terms of the licensing law.”
