Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake get St. Andrews boost amid uproar from angry residents

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake's new sports bar in St Andrews, Scotland has been granted a drinks license despite backlash from some angry residents in the area

Tiger Woods and pop icon Justin Timberlake have been granted a drinks license for their new sports bar in Scotland despite backlash from residents.

The duo are transforming the New Picture House in St.Andrews, a town renowned for its golfing heritage, into a bar and restaurant. This marks their second joint venture, following the successful T-Squared Social in New York.

Both Woods and Timberlake hold shares in the company spearheading the conversion of the cinema, which received the green light from Fife council last month to commence renovations. The alcohol license has now been approved, with plans submitted to the council describing T-Squared Social as a "fun, family-friendly" destination.

The proposal, outlining how the design and choice of materials would preserve and enhance the character of the category-B-listed cinema, was accepted. Developers anticipate opening the venue in its new guise in the summer of 2025. However, the plans were not without controversy. St Andrews Community Council member Neil Dobson expressed his disapproval.

He told The Courier: "What's next, Trump buying the West Sands for a hotel? I find this very disrespectful and a bit cheeky, to be honest. This town has been very good to Tiger Woods, and this is not the way to repay residents. St Andrews is unique, and that building is iconic. An American bar is completely out of keeping. It will be full of American golfers with nothing left in the town for children at all."

The revamp aims to swap traditional cinema seats for cosy social areas whilst retaining a screen for films and sports broadcasts, alongside new features like golf simulators and electronic dartboards.

Dobson's take wasn't echoed across the board, as other community council members pushed for progress. Fife Council agreed to the proposal, stating: "The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials; and would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area."

T-Squared Socials' managing partner, Christopher Anand, expressed enthusiasm: "We are delighted to be announcing our intention to commence works later this year on this exciting new entertainment concept including the cinema.

"It will ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for this and for generations to come. As we progress with the construction works we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and council on our ongoing activity."