Kingsmills Hotel enforces bag searches to ensure compliance with alcohol regulations during Christmas events.
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The Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness has taken a bold step this festive season by hiring door staff to conduct bag searches and confiscate hip flasks. This new policy, which is exclusively applied during Christmas events, aims to prevent guests from sneaking in their own alcohol, a practice that has frustrated hotel management in previous years.
Frustration leads to new measures
Management at Kingsmills Hotel, located on Culcabock Road, decided to implement this policy after experiencing ongoing issues with guests attempting to bring their own drinks into the venue. Craig Ewan, the Operations Director, noted that the decision was made to ensure compliance with licensing laws, which prohibit the consumption of outside alcohol on licensed premises.
“In previous years, we had numerous instances of guests bringing in secret Santa gifts that included wine or spirits, which they then consumed on the property,” Ewan explained. “This year, we made it clear in our terms and conditions and sent reminders to all table hosts to avoid any disappointment.”
Guests react to bag searches
On December 13, during a Christmas party, guests were surprised when door staff politely requested to search their bags. Twelve hip flasks were confiscated, leading to mixed reactions among attendees. One guest recounted how her daughter-in-law, concerned about drink prices, brought a hip flask only to find it confiscated upon arrival.
“You would expect this at a festival, but never at a hotel,” she remarked. Ironically, the guest discovered that the drinks at the hotel were not as expensive as she had anticipated, with a spirit and coke costing only £5.50.
Compliance with licensing regulations
According to Kingsmills Group CEO Tony Story, the hotel is committed to adhering to licensing regulations. “Unfettered consumption of alcohol is not something we permit,” he stated. “It’s perplexing why some guests think it’s acceptable to bring their own drinks to such events.” Story likened the situation to walking into a pub with a personal pint of beer, emphasizing the importance of following the rules.
The hotel’s decision to enforce bag checks is a reflection of their dedication to maintaining a safe and compliant environment for all guests. As the festive season continues, it remains to be seen how this policy will impact attendance and guest satisfaction.
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