THERE'S been a murder at Bella Italia in Dunfermline ... and it's up to the diners to become detectives and solve the mystery.

The restaurant is aiming to bump off a guest or two, all in the name of entertainment of course, and received the go-ahead from the Fife Licensing Board on Monday.

As well as hosting murder mystery nights, they've been granted permission to introduce jazz nights, wine, spirits, beer and food tastings and extend the hours that unaccompanied children and young people are allowed into the Fife Leisure Park restaurant.

Previously, no-one under the age of 18 was allowed to dine there without adult supervision.

The new licence will allow unaccompanied 14- and 15-year-olds until 8pm and 16- and 17-year-olds unaccompanied until 10pm.

Children under the age of 14 will still need adult supervision at all times.

At the board meeting on Monday, Jackie Brown, representative for Bella Italia, said that a number of young people had come in to eat before going to the cinema but due to the current policy were having to be turned away.

Ms Brown added: “We have had parents phoning up and complaining about their children being turned away. Ideally, we would like to accommodate as many customers as possible.”

Councillor Ryan Smart asked: “What happens if the issue arises where you’ve got someone who is 15 hanging around with 16-year-olds? How will the staff deal with that issue?”

Christopher Patton, manager of the restaurant, replied: “Every time someone comes in the door, we have a member of staff seat them.

"If a mixed age group came in at 7.30pm for instance, we would let them know that anyone under the age of 16 would have to leave by 8pm, no matter what. 

“They can then make the decision if they want to dine with us or not.”

The councillors found this acceptable and the licence was granted.