A town centre café is hoping customers will soon be able to enjoy a glass of wine as well as tea and coffee as it seeks to stand out from the crowd.

Café Latino, in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, has applied to Canterbury City Council for a premises licence, with the intention of serving alcohol between noon and 9pm at the latest.

Owner Joanne Stamp told KentOnline: “This is a business well-supported by the community.

“But there is so much competition in our area, with so many other cafés and coffee shops, that we want to expand and offer something more.

“This premises is not going to become like a pub, we want people to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal or a bowl of olives.”

The application says the alcoholic drinks will be for customers who are eating snacks, food or refreshments at the venue.

Proposed serving hours are Mondays to Wednesdays noon to 8pm, Thursdays to Saturdays noon to 9pm and Sundays noon to 6pm.

The beverages would be provided for consumption on the premises and not to take away.

Café Latino is usually open from 9am until 9pm at the latest. It may seek to close later if events are being held but alcohol will not be served past 9pm, the application to the city council says.

The business’ written submission adds: "This is a quaint café/coffee shop that has been established for more than 20 years. Our aim is to offer more options to a wider clientele.”

The café has outside seating for 10 to 15 people but alcohol would be served on two inside tables and only in plastic cups.