AN ARTISAN drinks producer has been given the go-ahead to hold tasting sessions on its premises after dropping early-morning drink plans.

Buck and Birch, based in Macmerry Industrial Estate, applied for a provisional premises licence from East Lothian Council's licensing board.

But its original application to serve alcohol on the site from 10am to 10pm met resistance from the board’s licensing standards officer, who pointed out that it was earlier than would normally be allowed.

At a virtual meeting of the board on Thursday, Rupert Waites from the company said that they would be happy to reduce the hours to 11am to 10pm, telling members that the first tasting sessions would normally not happen before noon as part of the service.

The company was also granted an off-sales licence to sell products from 10am to 10pm.

In its application, it said that the licence would enable tasting sessions and tutorials of products which customers could book online and which might then lead to them buying some to take home.

It said: “The shop is also available for visiting by members of the public, although this is expected on a relatively infrequent basis.

“Receptions are likely to be events such as a birthday where a tasting forms part of the celebration.”

The company produces botanical spirits using wild birch, rosehip and elderberry, with foraging tours and birch sapping tutorials also offered.

The licence was unanimously approved by the board.

Board convenor Councillor Lachlan Bruce said: “I am happy to support this business and offer them the very best of luck for the future.”