AYR’s nightlife is set for a big boost following The Newmarket’s application to be open until 2:30am at the weekends was approved.

The family pub/restaurant - situated on Newmarket Steet - has been gathering pace with the locals with a growing reputation amongst Ayr’s out goers and this past Thursday, South Ayrshire Council approved the application for the pub to be open until 2:30am.

A solicitor who represented the owner of the Newmarket said at the licensing meeting: “The Newmarket will give promotion to sensible drinking should this application be approved and staff will all be trained accordingly.”

At the current moment of time, The Newmarket does not offer a source of entertainment with their focus solely on food and with this new license would be looking to have DJ’s or live bands on to the end of the license time. 

Councillor Ann Galbraith who chaired the licensing board meeting said: “A 2:30am license is no problem for us as long as police are okay with it.”

Chief Superintendent Gary I’Anson said: “We would be fine with the license and would put a plan in place for it.”

This news of the approval is an added boost to the area as Harleys is the only pub in Ayr which at this present moment has 2:30am license. However, the Ayr Advertiser Series caught up with several pubs in the area to react to the news and how it may affect their business.

A spokesperson for the West Kirk (JD Wetherspoons) said: “There is no chance this will affect our business in Ayr. Good luck to The Newmarket, it is a lovely place.”

Meanwhile neighboring pub, The Wee Windaes, owner Jim McSherry said: “It won’t affect us. It is absolutely fine. We are an established pub and good luck to the Newmarket.”

Manager of the West of the Moon Lynne Monroe also agreed the new licence would not affect their business.

She said: “I don’t think it is going to affect our business in anyway. The Newmarket is more of a relaxed scene with different clientele to us. We are much a pub next door to a club. 

“I think it is a really good thing for Ayr. Hopefully can get people to stay in Ayr instead of going to Prestwick for night-out.”

Harleys/Furys and Club de Mar were unavailable for comment.