Moray Council Revokes Alcohol Licenses from Two Local Pubs

Two pubs in Moray have lost their alcohol licenses due to unpaid fees, following a decision by the Moray Council’s Licensing Board. During a meeting held on October 12, 2025, councillors revoked the licenses of the Eastbank Hotel in Rothes and the Caber Feidh in New Elgin. The revocations took effect immediately, marking a significant regulatory action against both establishments.

Licensing services officer Emma Rapley reported to the council that there had been no communication from the licenseholder of the Caber Feidh since its closure during the COVID-19 lockdown. In March 2025, plans were approved for the pub to be converted into a hot food takeaway by the owner of the Qismat Indian Restaurant. This development has yet to proceed, as the pub’s license remains revoked.

The Eastbank Hotel ceased trading in the summer of 2025. According to Rapley, the licenseholder informed the council that they would not be attending the meeting and indicated that they would not pay the required fee. Under Moray Council regulations, publicans are required to pay their annual licensing fee by October 1 each year. Failure to do so within six weeks of the due date can result in the revocation of the license.

Both venues received a letter in August 2025, which included an invoice for the licensing fee, a reminder, and a subsequent letter requesting payment. Furthermore, a licensing officer from Moray Council attempted to reach the licenseholders directly to collect the outstanding fees. Despite these efforts, councillors unanimously agreed to revoke the license for the Caber Feidh for breaching licensing conditions due to non-payment.

In the case of the Eastbank Hotel, councillors deemed the licenseholder unfit for operation, as they had actively refused to fulfill their financial obligations regarding the license. This decision highlights the strict enforcement of licensing regulations by the Moray Council, aimed at ensuring compliance and accountability among local establishments.

As the local hospitality sector continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the revocation of these licenses serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.