Monday March 16th 2026
Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A drinks distribution depot has been granted an off-sales licence despite not selling any alcohol to the public on site in a first for Midlothian councillors.
Midlothian Licensing Board was asked to approve the premises licence for Rutland Square Spirits Limited for its new Loanhead business units in what was described to members as an unusual request.
The Scottish gin company has taken over two commercial units at Bilston Glen Industrial Estate where it processes online orders and stores its products.
However a meeting of the licensing board was told that the storage unit was required to hold a premises licence even though it did not sell direct to the public and dispatched online orders only made via Amazon or its own website.
Their legal adviser told them: “This is unusual and a first application of this type to come to the board.”
The company, which was established five years ago, produces artisan spirits including the world’s first Chai infused Scottish gin, and premium mixers.
Owner Nish Sharma told the meeting that he began the business as a small specialist business from his home and it has grown to become a multi-national export business.
He said they were aware that they required a premises licence to carry out the sales of their products which also include chai infused rums, from the units even though no face to face sales happened at the site.
His operations director also told the board no under 18s worked in the units or were allowed access at any time with all visitors required to sign in.
Councillor Derek Milligan, board member, backed the licence application saying: “I think it is quite straight forward. I am quite happy to approve this.”
Fellow board members agreed and the licence was granted unanimously.
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