A NORTH Yorkshire cinema boss must wait at least another month before he is allowed to sell alcohol on the premises - because he must go on a licensing course.

Jeremy Powell, who runs the Palace Cinema in Malton, applied to magistrates in Scarborough for the licence.

Local town councillors questioned the appropriateness of the application, voicing concerns over whether sufficient training would be provided to staff.

But magistrates yesterday told Mr Powell they would grant him permission, as long as he obtained a licensee's certificate.

"The course is not until May 5 and 6 in York, so I am going to try and see if there's another course which could be sooner," said Mr Powell.

"It's just frustrating that there's time ticking away until we can go on this course."

Licensing officer John Tugwell said: "All solicitors are aware that for a licence to be granted the person has to have been on a licensing course, run by various colleges and the police.

"The magistrates have given him a provisional grant, so if he passes the course he will get the licence."

Mr Powell said he hoped to have alcoholic drinks on sale at the cinema by the end of May or June at the latest.

Updated: 12:20 Friday, April 04, 2003