IRVINE'S annual car cruise event will need a licence to operate after next summer.
North Ayrshire's Licensing Board ruled that the event, which brings thousands of people to the town each year, will require permission to proceed.
The car cruise has turned into a huge event in recent years, but has drawn a number of complaints from local residents.
Councillor John Bell told the licensing meeting: “For the residents down there it has been a nightmare and some have described it as Irvine’s answer to Monaco [home of the Monte Carlo Rally].
"It is people in the area making a nuisance of themselves. This is an event we should have some control over.”
At their latest meeting, the committee was presented with a report which suggested that North Ayrshire Council’s current resolution was dated and that the system needed modernised.
The report said this risked uncertainty for organisers, residents, members and officers, which may undermine consistent compliance and enforcement.
Reform councillor Matthew McLean said: “The car cruise is the single biggest car meet-up in Scotland, which has stalls, vans and traders.
“The new proposals would allow them to come to the table to organise it properly.
“There is no traffic plan. Lack of access to the toilets is another factor and there are sheltered housing units round there. This would give them the mechanism to run it properly.”
However, Conservative councillor Cameron Inglis warned the decision to licence the car cruises might not be enforceable.
He told the meeting: “I sympathise with people who do not like car cruises. I understand the problems they bring to the Harbourside.
"But my point in not having it in the draft resolution is because I don’t think imposing a licence is enforceable from a council point of view.
"Right now, we do not have any liability for car cruises, so with the finite resources we have why do we take on more liability and have fingers pointed towards us when it is the responsibility of the police.
"They do not have the resources to police these events because they still come to Irvine and the people who organise them are getting away with causing a nuisance.”
After further debate, the committee approved the updated draft public entertainment licence resolution - and agreed that once made, it will have an effective date not earlier than next September.
The car cruise events have been coming to Irvine for years, however, the 2025 event was cancelled at the last minute following the death of teenager Kayden Moy on Irvine beach.
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