Inverness attraction the Victorian Market is step closer to hosting weddings and funerals
Inverness’s Victorian Market could become a hot new gig venue as new business plans were approved by Highland Council earlier today.
The Highland Licensing Board met this morning and were quick to approve the proposal for a premises licence to serve and sell alcohol outside their standard opening times.
The intention is to expand the market’s offerings, hosting events inside the food court including weddings, funerals and live performances.
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What are the new plans?
The newly-granted application will see a licence for on-sale alcohol from 10am-11pm and off-sale services from 10am-10pm.
The food court space seeks to become a spot for live entertainment and local events, with the permission for the sale of alcohol until the later hours of the evening an extra option for those attending.
Currently, off-licence Moonshine will be the sole provider of alcoholic refreshments for any events planned to take place in the new venue.
A trial run was branded a success by manager Cameron Macfarlane in bringing in new audiences into the city centre market throughout the day.
What can visitors expect to find?
The market celebrates its 155th anniversary next year, and continues to be a local success story for independent businesses and retailers.
The Victorian Market houses 30 businesses, with a wide variety of food, craft and gifts to entice both locals and visitors.
One recent report found daily visitors to the market are now stretching over 10,000, and this latest development could see numbers rise even further.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Macfarlane said it was an ‘obvious’ and a ‘natural progression’ for the market to expand into.
In their report, the Licensing Standards Officer commented on the intention for the market expansion to “enrich the experience for locals and visitors to the local area alike”.
Granted licence is ‘fantastic news’
In response to the announcement, Mr Macfarlane said: “The essence of the Victorian Market has proved so successful to date, with its warm welcome and family friendly atmosphere.
“This coupled with a first-class food and now drink offering along with a mix of local retail owners is only going to enhance customer experience by the granting of the premises licence by the licensing board.
“This will provide for us to work closely with our businesses to make best use of this opportunity to bring more events to the Market and ensure the market continues to drive additional footfall to our city centre.”
Inverness councillor and committee chairwoman Jackie Hendry briefly reacted to the news during the meeting.
Speaking to Mr Macfarlane, she said: “The Victorian Market has been a huge success and we wish you further success in the future.”
