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The new owners of a top Scottish hotel have announced plans to stop selling alcohol to customers and guests.
The Stromness Hotel on Orkney, which has just been taken over by Paymán Investments, will not have drink for sale on site but will still allow people to bring their own when they attend private functions.
The chief executive of Paymán Investments, Na’ím Anís Paymán, explained the move was designed to fit with the hotel’s new identity as a wellness destination and The Flattie Bar would be “reconfigured” as part of the new plans.
Adding the group, which runs hotels throughout the UK, will “introduce a health focussed range of experiences” once the upcoming renovations of the popular Orcadian site are complete.
Speaking on social media, Mr Paymán added: “Selling alcohol is actually extremely profitable. But it is a major negative contributing factor to the physical and mental wellbeing of a large proportion of society.
“If I can save one life, I’d rather take the financial hit.”
Instead of alcohol, flower and herbal-based drinks will now be on the menu at the hotel, along with massages, hot tubs and vegan and vegetarian eating options.
The team confirmed that although alcohol won’t be on sale throughout the premises, guests attending private functions such as weddings and birthday parties would be able to bring their own booze with them.
Though most people on social media seemed positive about the change, a few questioned if people would still book weddings at a hotel that doesn’t serve alcohol.
While another was worried about the “carnage” that could be caused by people pouring their own measures at these events.
What do you think? Do you think the move is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below.
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