THE drinking hours at a Hampshire pub are to be exended, but only after it becomes a restaurant.

The pub, The Kings Arms on Chesil Street, Winchester, was sold earlier this year to publican David Nichols, who also owns the Black Boy pub nearby.

At a meeting of Winchester City Council's licensing sub-committee, he told councillors he wanted to convert the 18th century bar into a restaurant, but that planning permission for it could take up to three-months to come through.

Meantime he asked to be allowed to extend the opening hours until 2am daily.

The application triggered 25 objections from residents concerned about noise, rowdiness and parking.

Police also objected on the grounds that the pub's security was insufficient to deal with late-night drinkers, adding that they wanted to see CCTV and doorstaff in place.

Mr Nicholson said he only intended to serve alcohol until 2am on a handful of occasions.