A PUB in Poole is attempting to gain permission to operate a new outdoor bar to enhance the garden at the venue.

Hall & Woodhouse has applied to BCP Council for the variation of the premises licence for the Sweet Home Inn in Ringwood Road.

The application comes after weeks of work by owner Mark Copping and his team, who are attempting to expand what the establishment can offer customers.

Mr Copping, who runs the pub as the tenant or 'business partner' with Hall & Woodhouse, said: “The project began seven weeks ago, we wanted to expand our offering and make the most of our outside space to ensure guests can safely visit our pub.”

Details on the bid to vary the premises licence for the pub state the application is to approve a new layout plan which includes a new bar servery in the external area. It includes a condition that the sale of alcohol from the outdoor bar would stop at no later than 9pm.

The proposal also includes plans to delete a condition that children under the age of 14 are not be permitted to remain on the premises after 9pm.

Chris Chapman, Head of Business Partnerships of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “I know Mark Copping, the business partner for the Sweet Home Inn, was looking to make some improvements to the pub during lockdown.

"These improvements included creating a new bar servery and decking area in the garden.

"Mark wanted to ensure that he could improve the offering to his existing guests post COVID-19 lockdown and create an environment that would attract new guests to enjoy the garden at the Sweet Home Inn.”

Representations over the proposed changes to the premises licence for the Sweet Home Inn must be made to the council's licensing department by July 23.