A GARELOCHHEAD bar has been allowed to add accommodation to its licence – subject to the appropriate paperwork.

Building standards officers had recommended councillors reject the bid by the Anchor Inn, as it had no completion certificate for conversion of flats into accommodation for the premises.

But the Argyll and Bute licensing board unanimously agreed to accept it, once the certificate was received, during a meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

The plans also included a change of layout plan to include the accommodation areas, and to increase the venue’s capacity to include the rooms.

Licensing standards officer Raymond Park said in advance of the meeting: “Historically the Anchor was a Drovers Inn, over the years the rooms were used less.

“During the last 18 months to two years, the applicant has refurbished and refurnished upstairs, creating eight en suite bedrooms. He now wishes to add the accommodation to compliment the alcohol and food services provided downstairs.”

Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn) asked: “You have requested a licence covering the rooms. Is there a particular reason you are looking for the rooms to be licenced?”

Applicant Robert McQueen responded: “This is in order to make it all part of the operating plan, as opposed to a separate business.”

Councillor Green then said: “Having the rooms licenced means a responsibility for the provision of alcohol within these rooms. How are you intending to provide it?”

Mr McQueen said: “I am not intending to provide it. If customers are downstairs in the pub, they would be allowed to come down from the rooms.

“We are not doing 24-hour drink services or anything, but what we can do is allow them to take a drink from the bar downstairs to the rooms upstairs.”

He also confirmed that the inn did not provide off-sales, as there was a shop nearby which provided those.

The board then agreed unanimously that the variation to the premises licence would be granted, subject to receipt of the appropriate completion certificate.