PLANS for a new wine bar in the centre of Gourock have taken a major step forward after an application for an alcohol licence was approved.

Vino by Tonino's, run by Tony Bonatti, who already operates Tonino's on Greenock's Grey Place, applied for 'core licensing hours' of 11am to 12 midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, 11am to 1am on Thursday, and 11am to 1.30am on Friday and Saturday, for the sale of alcohol on the premises, which will have a capacity of up to 40 people.

The application also sought an 'off sales' licence to run from 11am until 10pm, seven days a week, for the sale of alcohol to be consumed off the premises.

The application also outlined proposals to offer a takeaway and home delivery service, 'online wine club' sales, wine tasting classes as well as provision for quiz nights, charity events and other social activities.

The Tele revealed Mr Bonatti's plans for the former Domus Interiors shop earlier this year, after an application to revamp the premises was approved by Inverclyde Council in April.

He teamed up with former Domus employee and Glasgow School of Art student Lucia Coggins to draw up plans for the new premises.

At the time he said he hoped the business would be ready to launch by Christmas.

The application was approved by the Inverclyde licensing board on Thursday.