Saturday October 31st 2026
East Linton Bowling Club, East Linton, East Lothian
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A bowling club president who admitted being convicted of drink driving has been granted a licence to sell alcohol after being praised for his honesty.
Ryan King told a meeting of East Lothian Licensing Board he took responsibility for the incident more than two years ago and would never let it happen again.
The president of East Linton Bowling Club applied for a personal licence as the club prepared to move to an open licence and said he and another member had undergone training to qualify.
He said: “From my side this was to make sure I know what is going on because the committee looks to me to be the one who has all the answers.
Referring to his conviction, he said: “It was a bad time in my life but that is no excuse. I was guilty of it and all I can say is it will never happen again.”
Police Scotland told the board Mr King had been convicted of drink driving in March 2024 and was fined £505 and disqualified from driving for 14 months however they said they had no objections the the granting of the licence.
The board’s licensing standards officer (LSO)told the meeting there had been ‘compliance issues’ raised with the club which were being worked on but said: “Mr King has been engaging with me and has been very open, honest and transparent and the advice given has been taken on board and acted upon.”
Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, board member, told Mr King: “With your candour you are being open and honest and I highly respect that.
“It is not our job to punish you again, the courts have done that and you have paid.”
Board chairperson Councillor George McGuire said he agreed adding: “We are not here to judge, we are here to consider a licence. I wish you all the best with the club, these are the thriving communities that get people out and about and I note East Lothian bowlers have been winning some awards recently so I congratulate you all and am happy to grant this licence.”
The licence was unanimously approved.
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