PLANS for a new bowling alley, snooker hall and bar in Irvine's Bridgegate have been delayed - to allow North Ayrshire licensing chiefs to visit the site.

The former team behind the town's sports bar are behind the Pops Bar project in the old M&Co store.

But this week, the licensing board voiced concerns over children's access through the bar area to reach the members only pool and snooker tables.

The Pops team hope to create a new facility within the premises which will include a ten pin bowling alley, a golf simulator, a karaoke room, a snooker/pool hall, and a public bar with external seating.

North Ayrshire Council planning chiefs have already given approval for the proposal and an application was submitted to the authority's licensing board seeking permission for a provisional premises licence for the on and off-sales of alcohol.

But it was the upstairs of the venue that led to an issue with the board members.

Normally, younger children can only enter a bar if meals are available and they are accompanied by adults. And the Pops team confirmed that, while there would be snacks such as pizza and pies as well as vending machines available, there would be no proper sit down meals.

The youngsters would have to cross through the bar area to access the upstairs pool and snooker area.

Licensing board chair, Councillor Eleanor Collier, told the applicants: "The board will need to be satisfied that it is right for the young people of Irvine. I am not saying no, but it sounds like it could contravene some of the board's policies."

It was agreed that board members would make a site visit to the venue next year to inspect the actual layout of the premises.

The venue, which can hold up to 450 people, would seek to operate from 8am, serving breakfast and non-alcoholic drinks.

The applicant aims to sell alcohol onsite from 10am-12am from Sunday to Thursday. The bar is hoping to gain permission to operate until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

If approved, off-sales would be permitted from 10am-10pm at the premises.

Children and young people would be permitted access to the venue to use the bowling alley and associated facilities as well as the members' pool/snooker club. Kids aged 0-15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

All those who are under the age of 18 would need to leave the premises at 10pm - unless attending a private function.