An up-and-coming West End art gallery has been granted a licence to serve wine during its exhibitions despite concerns about lack of disabled access.
The application for the on-sales licence at The Alchemy Experiment on Byres Road was brought before Glasgow City Council’s licensing board this morning.
The gallery, which describes itself as an “inclusive arts venue” aiming to create a space for art and creativity in Glasgow, opened in October 2020 and has hosted fine art exhibitions ranging from painting, photography, printmaking, film, sculpture and textile works.
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During the meeting members were informed that the applicant Denis Houlihan had seen the building, which had been empty for quite some time, and decided it would be the perfect location for the art gallery.
His representative Archie McIver said: “The building hosts art displays but we are applying for a licence so attendees can have a glass of wine. It is a small and tight space but there are one or two options to expand out the back.
“The aim of this application today is to establish a licence in principle. I can’t think of anywhere in the neighbouring area that operates a similar facility.
“They employ six members of staff - three full time and three part time and they all take on an administrative role and deal with bookings and reservations.
“This is not a facility where alcohol is going to play a huge part of the operation but it would be helpful for them to have.”
It was then questions were asked about limited disabled access to the venue and what action would be taken to address this.
Councillor Alex Wilson said: “I totally welcome this concept but is there any disability access?”
Mr McIver confirmed that people using a wheelchair could access the premises but not the toilet facilities.
He said: “We will be back at some point before the board to tell of our plans to expand and include these provisions.”
Councillor Wilson responded: “I think it will be helpful going forward to include these provisions as you don’t want to prejudice against the disabled community.”
