YORK'S biggest cinema is set for a revamp - and may also open a bar.

The plans for the Clifton Moor multiplex have emerged as the cinema giant submitted an application to stay open and sell food and drink until 3am.

Vue can already sell refreshments and show films until this hour, but is obliged to submit a formal application under the new licensing rules.

A spokesman for Vue said proposals to install a bar at the premises were under consideration.

He said: "We are looking to refit and refurbish our premises to improve the quality of the cinema and the service that we can offer the local community. "It is too early for us to say whether this will include a bar, but it is something that we are currently considering."

Asked about the scale of the refit and how much it would cost, he said it was too early to say and financial details would not be divulged. The Vue cinema building is now 12 years old, and recently underwent a revamp after it changed hands from Warner Bros.

Its licence application, which would include the right to show plays, performance or dance, and play live or recorded music until 3am, is currently under consultation until August 12.

Ward councillor Mark Waudby said he was not surprised the cinema was considering opening a bar.

"There are quite a few cinemas already that have alcohol licences," he said. "It depends on how they market it - we'll have to wait and see."

City of York council licensing chief John Lacy confirmed the cinema did not currently have a licence to sell drink, and would need to apply for one before opening a bar.

Vue's plans emerged as one of York's other major entertainment centres, Mecca Bingo in Fishergate, was forced to withdraw an application to stay open late - because of planning regulations. The popular games centre wanted to sell alcohol until midnight, but its plans were scuppered after it was revealed that planning rules for the site specified it only operate until 11pm.

Ward councillor Andy d'Agorne said Mecca's original plans had sparked local concern about bingo fans and cars leaving late at night.

He said: "This is good news for local residents. There are a lot of other premises round there that are opening late - it all adds up."

Updated: 10:18 Monday, July 25, 2005