News

Police may block pizza operator's effort to cash in on concert

June 19, 2003

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EDINBURGH, UK -- Takeaway pizza outlet Pizza Primo wants to remain open an hour later than usual on two nights when pop music star Robbie Williams is in town.

However, the move could be stopped by a police objection, according to a report in the Edinburgh News.

Parvis Moghaddam, who has run Pizza Primo for the last 12 years, said he had been hoping to receive a boost to business during what is a traditionally quiet time of year from fans on their way home from the shows.

But Lothian and Borders Police believe it is "wholly inappropriate" for any business to be granted a license extension for a one-time event, and claim it will encourage people to "loiter in the city longer than necessary."

Police have warned the council that granting a license for the concerts may set a worrying precedent.

Moghaddam said police are trying to "chase away" people going to the concerts. The Federation of Small Businesses has offered its support for Moghaddam's bid, claiming the police force has gone "completely over the top."

Tim Steward, chairman of the Edinburgh branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said, "There's absolutely no point in putting on these events and promoting Edinburgh as a great place to come for a weekend for something like this, if you're going to chase people away as soon as possible after an event is finished."

Businesses across the city -- including hotels, guest houses, bars and restaurants -- are gearing up for a windfall from the Williams concerts on June 28 and 29, both of which have been sold out for months.

Pizza Primo will open until 3 a.m. on the 28th and 2 a.m. on the 29th if the city's licensing board grants its approval.

A spokeswoman for Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board said, "We'd like to think that for one-off events such as the Robbie Williams concerts the licensing board might be prepared to adopt a flexible approach."