TWO licensed premises have tested a ruling preventing more bars and restaurants opening on two “saturated” Liverpool streets.

Last month, city councillors approved a landmark policy to stop further bars opening in Lark Lane, Aigburth, and Allerton Road, Allerton.

Despite that decision, one bar – Rhubarb, in Lark Lane – has since opened, while Italian restaurant La Scala, in Allerton Road, could also now be granted a licence to serve alcohol until midnight.

The Aigburth nightspot was allowed to open because its application was granted in September last year, five months before the new ruling, although work to complete the venue took months.

The application for La Scala, close to Allerton Library, is the first proper test of Liverpool council’s new “cumulative impact” policy, one of the first of its kind in the UK.

The long-standing restaurant has changed ownership, meaning it must obtain a new premises licence.

The venue also wants to open until midnight, seven days a week.

Cllr Richard Kemp, who represents Allerton’s Church ward, said La Scala’s bid would provide an interesting test for the ruling.