LATE-opening Bournemouth restaurant Peppinos has been granted permission to extend its weekend opening hours up to 3.30am.

The Italian restaurant, in Charminster Road, will be able to serve food and alcohol up to 3am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, under conditions agreed with Dorset Police and Bournemouth Council’s environmental health team.

Speaking at the licensing committee hearing yesterday, manager Golnaz Nami-Jahromi said the aim was to provide an alternative late-night venue to the area’s nightclubs, as well as a post-club eatery, and confirmed that outdoor areas would still be shut from 1.30am. Councillors agreed conditions that the restaurant should have tables and staff ready for 70 dining customers during the extended hours, and that door staff should be provided should they be requested by the police.