Burger King claims it is being unfairly treated after it was refused permission to extend its opening hours in Killarney to 3.30am on special weekends.

During the downturn, it seemed that every second small retail letting was to a barber’s or a hairdresser’s salon.

A restaurant franchise chain is claiming it can help curb antisocial behaviour in a busy tourist town if it is allowed stay open until 3.30am at weekends.