TIME at the bar could be called a little later at some licensed premises across the Borders this Yuletide.

Bars and nightclubs are set to be given the chance to extend operating hours over Christmas, as this year the key dates fall mid-week.

The majority of licensed premises in the region have a seasonal variation included in their operating plans, allowing them to trade until 1am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

But this festive season, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are on Tuesdays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day on Wednesdays and Boxing Day on a Thursday.

When members of Scottish Borders Licensing Board meet on Friday (November 22) they will be recommended to allow the premises which do not have this seasonal variation to apply for an extension to their core hours up to the same terminal hour – 1am – on these days. It will also be suggested for those applications to be dealt with under delegated powers where no objections or representations are received.

A report from Mike Wynne, Scottish Borders Council’s licensing standards and enforcement officer, states: “This preserves their weekend time differential between specific late-night venues and other licensed premises.”