Licensing chiefs have given the thumbs-up to a new bar and beer garden in Musselburgh, despite objections.

The Musselburgh Bar and Kitchen, formerly the Mexican restaurant Habaneros on High Street, was granted a variation of premises licence by East Lothian Council’s licensing board last week.

Owner Star Pubs & Bars had applied for: extension of opening hours from midnight to 1am on a Thursday; use of premises for clubs and group meetings; an outdoor drinking area; changes both internally to the building to re-position bar and seating areas; and extension of the rear drinking/smoking area outside.

A number of objections centred around concerns of possible noise disturbance and smoke from the outdoor area.

The board heard that the outdoor smoking area would be moved from its present location away from neighbouring properties and that this area would also be covered by CCTV.

Members of the licensing board agreed to grant permission with conditions. They included that children and young people under 18 could only be on the premises after 10pm if they were having a meal or attending a private, pre-arranged function, and that CCTV was operational both within and outside the building.

In addition, the beer garden would close at 8pm and an entertainment licence was not granted so no recorded or live music could be played outside.

The new bar had previously received planning permission.

A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars said the premises would be turned into “a modern premium bar.”

She said it was hoped that a new licensee would take on the venture, which would offer food throughout the day and alfresco dining.

She said the proposed investment followed another recent refurbishment project involving Star Pubs & Bars at The Seaglass Inn, Port Seton, previously the Wemyss Hotel.