Yes, thats doable. You can connect onload event of subgrid and apply access control code there.
Sample code: http://pastebin.com/WNDjCWgs

Thanks, Abu.

Is it possible to still permit the '$grid["cellEdit"]' functionality with column access?

Also, I notice that while the row edit buttons disappear, the row can still be edited with the 'edit' button at the bottom of the subgrid. Can this 'edit' button be made conditional as well?

Hi Matt,

Currently it's not supported with celledit mode.
It will need some core level changes.