Trump International Aberdeen Secures On-Course Alcohol Licence

Trump International Golf Links Scotland has been granted a licence to serve alcohol from a mobile cart on its prestigious Balmedie course, a move that will change the 19th-hole experience for members and visitors.

The Aberdeenshire Licensing Board approved the application, allowing the club to deploy a branded buggy to sell beers, wines, and spirits to players directly on the fairways. A spokesperson for the club stated the service was intended to "enhance the premium experience for our golfers," offering refreshment without the need to return to the clubhouse.

This novel approach, however, is firmly anchored in the traditional framework of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. The licence granted is an extension of the club's existing premises licence, designating the entire course as the licensed area. This is a common practice for outdoor venues, but its application to a mobile vehicle is a more modern interpretation.

Key to the Board's approval were the stringent operating plans submitted by the club. These include strict measures to prevent underage sales and ensure that alcohol is only served to persons engaged in a game of golf, not to members of the public who may be using the right of way paths through the course. The cart will be operated by staff who are trained in accordance with the mandatory Scottish Personal Licence Holder requirements, making them legally responsible for the lawful sale of alcohol.

The decision highlights the flexibility within Scotland's licensing system, where boards can adapt to new business models provided the core principles of the 2005 Act—preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, and protecting children from harm—are robustly upheld. For golfers at Trump Aberdeen, it means a pint can now be enjoyed with a view of the North Sea, all within the bounds of Scottish law.