Plans by a Girdle Toll service station to increase their alcohol display as part of a major overhaul which includes electric car charging points have been approved by licensing chiefs.

The BP garage in Littlestane Road in Long Drive submitted proposals to North Ayrshire Licensing Board to amend their layout plan following an extension and re-locate their alcohol display.

It would increase from 7.42sqm to 12.525sqm.

Speaking on behalf of the business at Monday’s Licensing Board meeting, Audrey Junor said: “We are mindful of the over-provision policy and ordinarily I wouldn’t bring an application like this to you but we feel there is justification for an increase in the circumstances.

“It’s a very particular application in that we are improving the shop all round.

“The first reason for it is very practical because when the license was granted in 2017, the capacity was restricted and as a result of it we took out a fridge. 

“This means a lot of the white wine and beers in the shop are not chilled and practically we find customers are not attracted to that kind of products in a convenience setting and we are looking to add in that fridge so we can chill those products for customers.

“The second point is it’s a very modest alcohol display and other shops have a capacity of 20 square metres. Current capacity restriction means we have to restock shelves and a lot of alcohol has to be stored behind the counter or in the back shop.

“Also it is part of a refit of the shop which includes new lighting, new flooring, reconfiguration of the store as well as multi-electric charging points. 

“We have been granted permission for 14 charging points.”

Ms Junor added that the alcohol was not discounted like in other stores.

The application was granted.