A last-ditch plea from ex-British Lion John Rutherford helped convince Scottish Borders Licensing Board not to kick Selkirk Rugby Club’s early-morning application into touch.
Fans were able to enjoy pints from 9.30am last Saturday, ahead of the Lions’ 23-21 victory over Australia, despite opposition from both the police and Scottish Borders Council’s licensing standards officer.
Just 24 hours beforehand, members of the licensing board heard from ex-Scotland star Rutherford, now vice-president at Selkirk, with the club’s previous good record taken into account.
Inspector John Scott had said the application for June 22 and 29 and July 6 would increase its sales hours from 14 to 15-and-a-half, which he said was contrary to the licensing objectives of protecting and improving public health.
And SBC licensing officer Ian Tunnah believed the extension was “unnecessary”.
Despite the successful application, Selkirk RFC will be opening at 11am for this Saturday’s second test, but plan to resume the breakfast function for the final match on July 6.
Breakfast organiser Mick Craig said: “There was a great atmosphere in the clubrooms. We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting game, either.”