Friday February 20th 2026
High Street Deli, Yetholm
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A booze bid by a family-run deli in a Borders village which sharply divided the community today won unanimous approval.
When members of Scottish Borders Council Licensing Board met on Friday, February 20, they agreed a premises licence from the High Street Deli in Town Yetholm to sell alcohol.
The outlet can now sell wines and local spirits/beers to accompany food sales, from 10am to 10pm. An online and delivery service will also be available.
Although there were no objections to the application from the council’s licensing standards enforcement officer or Police Scotland the proposal had raised the hackles of some locals.
A total of 18 individual objections were submitted on the grounds of increased noise, traffic congestion, potential public nuisance, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
However, there were also letters of support and a petition in support of the application.
Speaking for the application, licensing lawyer Stephen McGowan said many of the objections raised were not relevant in licensing terms.
Mr McGowan also dismissed some of the objections on the grounds of “protectionism”, saying they were an attempt to prevent harm to another licensed premises in the village.
He said: “There are allegations that people will come from neighbouring villages to buy alcohol and cause the residents grief. Even if it weren’t for the fact that the deli tends to close at half six that is all complete speculation.
“We’re not looking to run some dedicated all-sales Mecca, with people coming from neighbouring villages far and wide to buy alcohol.
“If anyone was so moved I’m sure they would go to Kelso or somewhere else, not come here. The idea that hordes of people are going to come to buy alcohol from this premises is fantasy.”
On behalf of the objectors, mother-of-four Caroline Smith, who lives opposite the deli, expressed concern over the impact granting the licence would have on children in the village.
She said: “On a school night our 14-year-old and 11-year-old are doing homework in their rooms, trying to settle them down to bed.
“Noise is already increased in the daytime, late night trading until 10pm would make it worse when children are trying to settle down.”
Licensing Board member Councillor Neil Richards, along with all fellow board members, agreed the application.
He said: “It sounds like it is downright protectionist. I’m also very sceptical over damage to children.
“I brought up three kids, most people around here probably did the same. Do they go to Tescos, do they go to Sainsburys? Or do they have to sit in the car and wait for their parents to come back? I find the whole thing ludicrous.”
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