COUNCILLORS will decide whether to grant permission for alcohol licensing hours to be extended at an award-winning restaurant next week.

Italian eatery boss, Kamal Alley, originally applied to extend the hours alcohol could be served at Il Palazzo, in Barnard Castle, until 2.30am for "late night refreshments" and 2am to sell alcohol.

However, the application came under fire from Barnard Castle Town councillors who refused to support it over fears it could cause a nuisance, especially to several nearby care homes.

Durham Constabulary also initially objected to the application but have since withdrawn it after Mr Alley agreed to extra conditions meaning the restaurant will only sell alcohol until 1am and close at 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Mr Alley said preventative measures would include thorough staff training and CCTV and door staff.

However, Barnard Castle Town clerk, Michael King, said: "If the premises are allowed to stay open any longer for the sale and consumption of alcohol, this would go on until an unacceptably late time. The proximity of the premises to Beaconsfield Court, which is a residential care home and the adjoining property, is likely to cause a nuisance at a time, and in a location, at which residents might reasonably expect to be free of noise and other disturbance."

Members of Durham County Council's Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee will make a decision at County Hall on Monday.