A village pub could re-open as soon as May after being granted variations to its premises licence to include longer opening hours.
The IP Partnership has taken over the Rhu Inn, which went on the market in October, and made a bid to the Argyll and Bute Licensing Board to stage off-sales from 10am to 10pm seven days a week.
The proposals for the licence also included changing the opening on-sales time on a Sunday from 12.30pm to 11am, and adding a seasonal variation.
It will also include a restaurant and bar meals within its core hours, include group meetings and amend its children and young persons conditions.
The plans were approved by the licensing board today, with local councillors voicing their approval at the venue being brought back into use.
Licensing standards officer Raymond Park said: “The new owners have reviewed the current operating plan and introduced a few changes to make it more family-friendly.
“This includes introducing food, and the environmental health officer is assisting with the safety aspects.”
Cllr Richard Trail said: “I have to say that I welcome the refurbishment of the premises, which were getting old and tired and in need of some refreshment.
“I am delighted to see this. Have you got any date for the opening of the premises?”
David Davidson, of the IP Partnership, said: “We are aiming for late May or June at some point. There is a significant among of work to do as the premises are in a pretty poor state of repair.
“It is a more extensive refurbishment than we thought, but the process is well underway and we are aiming for early summer.”
David Kinniburgh, the board’s chair, added: “The seasonal variation will require an extended hours application, but as Cllr Trail said, it is good to see the premises being upgraded.
“If it is like any of the other premises you run locally, it can only be an asset to the community.”
The application was then unanimously granted.
Leave a Reply