Venues have been opening up additional areas outside their premises to welcome customers for al fresco drinks in South Ayrshire. 

And despite the temperamental weather many people gasping for a sociable pint or cocktail have been keen to meet friends for a drink outside. 

South Ayrshire Council has issued more than 20 temporary occasional licences for additional external drinking areas so businesses can serve in the fresh air. 

From Monday, May 17, restaurants and pubs can also welcome customers back inside for alcohol. 

A council report on the granting of occasional licences is due to be presented to Licensing Board councillors on Thursday (May 20).

The council report said: “Since premises have been permitted to re-open under the Coronavirus legislation many have been seeking additional areas for outside drinking because of the need for social distancing leading, in some premises, to reduced capacity inside.

"The board has agreed to accept such applications as a temporary way of assisting the hospitality industry but has made it clear that if premises wish these areas to be a permanent part of their premises then a variation to the licence will be required.”

The paper said the premises “have all been granted occasional licences for outside drinking areas.”

They are:

Kylestrome, 11 Miller Road, Ayr
Vics & The Vine, 132 Main Street, Prestwick
 Redstone Inn, 92 Main Road, Ayr
The Brigs, Craig Tara
The Lighthouse, Craig Tara
Abbotsford Hotel, 14 Corsehill Road, Ayr 
Glen Park, 5 Racecourse Road, Ayr
Chestnuts, 52 Racecourse Road, Ayr
Trysting Thorn Hotel, 40-42 Joppa, Coylton
The Auchans, 29 Main Street, Dundonald
Victory Bar, 26 South Park Avenue, Girvan
The Greenside, 5 Greenside, Maybole 
Bell Rock, 144 Ayr Road, Prestwick
Eagle Tavern, 3/5, The Cross Prestwick
Red Lion, 9 The Cross, Prestwick
Blueberrys, 3 South Beach,Troon
Troon Football Club, Portland Park, Troon
Black Bull, 21 Main Street, Straiton
Lonsdale Bar, 15 Portland Street, Troon
Harbour Bar, 169-173 Templehill, Troon
Marine Hotel ,8 Crosbie Road, Troon
Red Lion, 9 The Cross, Prestwick
Black Bull, 2B Montgomerie Street, Tarbolton
Fox and Willow, 46 Carrick Road, Ayr