Falkirk's Maniqui nightclub has been given permission to open from noon and offer bar lunches as part of attempts to diversify as it recovers from the pandemic.
It was one of several changes approved by Falkirk Council's licensing board for the nightclub in Meadow Street, Falkirk. As well as being able to serve bar meals during the day, televised sports and outdoor drinking will now be permitted.
The non-minor variations to the licence were applied for by father and son team, Steven and Stuart Dougall, who bought the premises "a day before lockdown" in March 2020.
READ MORE: Plans for Falkirk nightclub to open at midday and serve food put on hold
A similar application that came before the board in November was turned down as members felt there was not enough detail in the proposals.
This time, members agreed that children and young people from 5-18 are now permitted to attend underage discos, children's parties or organised classes unaccompanied.
Private functions can now finish at 1 am and children and young people aged 5-18 can attend and stay until closing time, as long as they accompanied by an adult.
Children under five will not be permitted at the moment as the venue does not have baby changing facilities.
As part of conditions already on the licence, all children and young people's activities must finish at least an hour before adults are able to enter the club in the evening.
Solicitor Andrew Thomson told members that the family had used the time during lockdown to refurbish the premises, including upgrading the kitchens, painting, a new heating system and new CCTV.
He said: "Previously it was a pure nightclub but they want to turn it into much more of a generic, hybrid venue and that's the reason they want the licence from 12 pm, to be able to offer bar meals before morphing into a nightclub later on at night."
The Licensing Board's new convener, Provost Robert Bissett, said after a "robust discussion" members were minded to grant the application.
He added: "Stuart and Steven have invested a lot in this business and then coronavirus came along and rather decimated it - but it is an iconic establishment in Falkirk and we do wish them well for the future."
