A Troon pub has been given the go ahead for an "extension to an extension" of its opening hours over Christmas and New Year despite objections from the police.

The Fox, in West Portland Street, applied to extend its hours to 3am on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

The premises already has a one-hour extension to opening hours over the festive period, allowing the venue to extend its hours from 1am to 2am.

The new application considered by South Ayrshire Licensing Board on Thursday sought a further extension on top of that.

Licensing officer Catrina Andrew said: “The application refers to a ‘DJ and live music’ for the festive season which is described by the applicant as ‘an event of local or national significance’.”

However, Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie objected to the extension on the basis of potential noise and suggested it would set a precedent, allowing other nearby premises to seek a similar extension.

Ms Andrew was asked by chair William Grant to clarify whether it would set a precedent.

She responded that other similar applications had been approved and pointed out that one nearby venue opened later than the 3am requested by The Fox.

Chief Inspector Lammie responded that the objection was based on fairness, saying that other premises looking to do the same would have to be considered.

He added that the other venue may then wish to apply for an extension from 3.30am until 4.30am.

Councillor Bob Pollock, a former police officer, questioned that argument.

He said: “Police Scotland don’t generally object lightly to things, but I’m struggling to see what the basis of this is, particularly around potential noise.”

He added: “This is the last licensing board before the festive period. If a premises doesn’t have an application for variation by now it cant be considered anyway.”

This was confirmed by Ms Andrew, who added that the licensing board’s policy wouldn’t allow opening beyond 3.30am as a general rule.

Councillor Laura Brennan Whitefield asked Chief Inspector Lammie whether the pub had been referred to the police over any issues.

He responded that they hadn’t, with visits to the premises being seen as positive.

The Licensing Board unanimously approved the extension to 3am on those two specific days.