A PUB boss was given a knock-back to open just one hour longer as officials vowed to clamp down on late-night bars in Greenock.

The landlord of the Hole in the Wa' asked for permission to stay open for an extra 60 minutes until 1am on a Sunday night in a bid to help boost business and prevent the loss of customers to other town centre premises.

But manager Mary Grierson had her application for the Argyle Street pub refused - despite being praised by several members of the licensing board for running a 'tight ship'.

The extension was against local rules and it also attracted an objection from the police and one member of the public.

Ms Grierson said: "We've worked hard in the last seven years and we are a responsible pub - we're not kids behind the bar. "Our customers are leaving to go to another bar that's open later and we would like to have the chance to make some money. "We've worked very hard and it would be nice to get the same breaks as everyone else."

The pub boss argued that it was unfair that other town centre premises are allowed to stay open until 1am.

Board member Colin Jackson said: "You feel as if your bar has an unequal and an economic disadvantage because of this. "I have a lot of sympathy with what you are saying."

Currently, the Hole in the Wa' can only trade until midnight under local licensing rules.

Councillor Jim McEleny said: "Ms Grierson should be commended for the tight ship she does indeed run."

Licensing officials said extended opening hours for other premises could be a historical thing - 'grandfather rights' - pre-dating the current rules or may have been granted for reasons such as accommodating 'ancillary' activities like live music.

Police objected over fears it could lead to an increase in crime and disorder and that it would set a precedent for other premises to follow suit.

The single public complaint was from a resident who lives close to the bar and said they can hear loud music in their bedroom late at night.

Ms Grierson said: "We appreciate that but we're not the only premises in the area doing that.

"Our music stops at 11.30pm.

"There's another bar, which backs onto us, playing on after that.

"I'm sure the police would agree we don't have trouble."

Following a private hearing, the board unanimously rejected the application but chairman Ronnie Ahlfeld issued a warning to other town centre nightspots.

Councillor Ahlfeld said: "We had quite a long debate on this and as it's against policy the decision was to refuse.

"However, based on the representations made here today, we have asked officers to carry out checks in all other premises to ensure policy is being adhered to and if there are any contraventions we will take action. "I appreciate you do run a very tight ship and have a good premises, but this application is against policy."

The pub was told they can re-apply again in a year's time.