A MULL store, close to a campsite, has won its bid for permission to sell alcohol on its premises seven days a week.

The Shop at the Inn, at Port Nan Gael, was previously part of the accommodation at the Pennyghael Hotel.

It has now obtained a premises licence to sell alcohol on an off-sales basis from 10am to 10pm seven days a week. From October 1 to March 31, the terminal hour will be brought forward to 6pm.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Argyll and Bute licensing board on Tuesday, September 24.

Solicitor Sandy Murray told the board: “These premises were formerly an accommodation unit as part of the Pennyghael Hotel. They have now been converted into a shop, which is operating quite successfully, serving the local community and caravan park residents.

“The point of this application is to allow the shop to sell alcohol on an off-sale basis. This is principally in order to accommodate those staying at the caravan park, but to provide a general service to those in the area as residents and tourists.”

Licensing standards officer Raymond Park said: “The application falls in line with the mandatory conditions and the best practice. The percentage of floor space is 7.7 per cent, which is within the parameters.

“The seasonal variation is a bit beyond what best practice suggests, and Mr Murray may want to address you on why they want to close early during the winter.”

Mr Murray added: “Mull is very busy in the summer, but if you are in Mull over the winter period and pass by, you see two or three cars an hour.

“There are very few people on holiday, so that is the reason for the winter variation.”

The premises licence was unanimously granted by the board.