SCOTTIES boss Calvin Craig is to sell the Lan Kwai Fong watering hole, with the Cactus Club likely to expand into the premises. Mr Craig cited a dip in custom and the sky-high rents in the area as the reasons for selling. Instead, the Scotsman will start a territory-wide business information service next month. Called the City Co-operative, it will link bars and restaurants with services such as plumbers, decorators and insurance agents. Given Hongkong's less than user-friendly attitude to licensing bars and restaurants, Mr Craig will also offer advice on getting the necessary permits. But patrons of Scotties won't be crying in their pints. Mr Craig told P.S. he planned to open another bar next year called Scotties 2, probably in Sai Kung. Mindful that many in Hongkong regard a trip to the nearest 7-Eleven as the longest journey they are prepared to make, he said he planned to buy a bus to ferry customers from Hongkong Island. Given some of the scenes Scotties has witnessed over the years, we imagine the vehicle will have reinforced bodywork to cope with the homeward journey after closing time.
