A BARBER shop with its own bar has been approved by Bournemouth council.

Applicant Gavin Davies intends to move his existing barber shop in Charminster Road, 'Wiseguys', to new, larger premises at 545-547 Wimborne Road.

The proposal drew concern from a neighbour and also from ward councillor Patrick Oakley, who called it "a huge risk to public safety".

However the licensing board agreed on Tuesday to grant permission, with certain conditions.

Chairman Andrew Morgan said: "They agreed to cut back the licensed hours, so they won't able to serve alcohol after 7pm, and will be closing at 7.30pm at the latest.

"That way there is no risk of it turning into a bar.

"It was a very useful compromise which went a long way to address the concerns that had been raised.

"The licensed area is very small and the sale of alcohol will be secondary to the barbershop business.

"It seems to be a very successful business model and we wished the applicant every success with it.

"This will bring an empty shop back to life as a viable business with a substantial client base which will be great for Winton."

Cllr Morgan said the committee was also reassured as the existing business is so busy it operates "by appointment only", suggesting it has many regular customers.

The application originally sought permission to open until 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and stated that a "limited range" of drinks would be available, served to a small number of barbershop customers in a separate area.

Cllr Oakley had said it was "inappropriate" to have "cut throat razors, scissors and electrical equipment" within reach of the drinkers without security.

Solicitor Philip Day, who represented Mr Davies at the hearing, said in the application that: "It is also the case that there are numerous ladies' hairdressers that provide customers with alcoholic refreshment and those that charge for it have licences that permit the sale and consumption within the salon itself, rather than a separate room as is the case here."