DETAILS for venues to apply to extend their hours during the festive period have been approved by councillors.

Last week’s West Dunbartonshire Council Licensing Board backed the scheme that will cover December 10, 2021 to January 4, 2022.

Pubs, hotel bars and members clubs can apply to stay open for an extra hour during the period, with the exception of Hogmanay, when they can apply to stay open until 3am. But last entry for such events on the 31st would be 11pm and the event would be pre-ticketed.

Clubs can apply to stay open until 4am during the festive season.

Anyone seeking hours that fall outside the current extensions may have to be considered by the board, especially if there are objections.

All applications will be dealt with by the clerk to the licensing board, confirmed councillors at the meeting on October 14.

There may be changes if the pandemic forces the board to reconsider policies for the festive period, said council officers.