Flakes and lager for breakfast!
(Story dated: October 16, 2003)

Drinks are on sale at the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall from 6.45am during the Rugby World Cup after members of the Orkney Islands Area Licensing Board backed an application - despite fears there will be no police cover available at that time.

Fans of the game are able to have a full breakfast and a pint during the first qualifying rounds.

At the meeting last Friday Councillor Janice Annal expressed concern that this would allow for 18 hours of drinking time and asked for the owners' assurance that they would encourage sensible drinking.

Inspector David Miller said: "Considering the police resources I have, I will be unable to provide sufficient policing at that time"

Councillor Annal added: "This has the potential for being a good idea and means people can have breakfast before having a pint. But it also has the potential for allowing someone to drink for 18 hours." She went on to ask the owners what their policy would be if someone was getting drunk and was told they would be refused any more alcohol.

The possibility of forcing customers to buy food along with any alcohol was also considered.

However, Albert Hotel manager, Dawn Flett added: "We can sell them food but we cannot force it down their throats."

Councillor Angus Hutchison saw the positive side of the proposal. adding: "Despite the violence of the game, rugby fans are not known for being violent. The fact that there are so many people interested in rugby, there could be a perceived need. We show Rangers and Celtic matches and

I am sure the fans will forgive me for saying there is more likely to be disruption from those games."

Members gave the go ahead for the hotel to show the games, which start at 6.45am, for October and if there is no trouble they will continue the licence during November when the finals take place.