A NEW town centre restaurant will be able to remain open in the early hours despite concerns over antisocial behaviour.

Las Iguanas is one of several established chains due to open later this year in the BH2 development - formerly West Central - currently under construction in Exeter Road, Bournemouth.

The firm, which specialises in Latin American cuisine and cocktails, applied for a licence to supply late night refreshments and alcohol until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights, and 1.30am on Bank Holiday weekends and throughout December.

On other days of the week the proposed closing time was midnight.

On Thursday (SEPT 1), Bournemouth council's licensing board agreed to grant most of the application, although the December extension was denied.

Town centre councillor David Smith opposed the extended hours.

In his submission, he said:"This site is being promoted as a family friendly development with the restaurants being promoted as being ancillary to the cinema offer.

"As all the other sites are content with 12/12.30am I see no reason why Las Iguanas needs to be an hour later than all the other restaurants on site.

"On looking at the Las Iguanas website it shows that most of their restaurants have a much earlier closing time (usually about 11pm).

"I believe that this later request will help establish this venue as a predominantly drinking venue in amongst a series of family led restaurants.

"I would prefer to see a closing time in line with the other venues on this site."

The council's environmental health department also opposed the extended hours - with most of the other venues due to open in BH2 set to close at 12.30am at the latest.

However Dorset Police did not make any comment.

Committee chairman Andrew Morgan said: "This is a very good opportunity for you to build your brand in our town.

"You are very much welcome here and we wish you every success in the future."

Last month there was controversy after another prospective BH2 tenant - Aspers' Casino - applied for permission to use two units.The company already has a licence to operate in the town.

Ward councillor Bob Chapman said it was "disappointing" as the casino's late night clientele could disturb residents, adding: "this was never suggested when the development was proposed".

BH2 is due to open early next year, with a 10-screen Odeon cinema and restaurants including Joe’s Kitchen and Bella Italia.