Changes are proposed at the Isle of Wight’s — and the UK’s — oldest amusement park, which could see it allowed to open until the early hours of the morning.
Blackgang Chine is also looking to increase the number of activities it can provide and sell alcohol anywhere across the park.
Change of licence
Park operator, Vectis Ventures, is applying to the Isle of Wight council to change the licence the attraction holds.
It is looking to add performances of dance, show films and provide late-night refreshments.
Current licensable activities are only allowed to take place outdoors, but the variation could see them happen indoors as well.
Opening until 1.30am
The theme park, which attracts more than 130,000 to 140,000 visitors a year, is currently able to open from 9.30am to 10pm but under the new proposals it could open from 8am to 1.30am.
It comes as Blackgang Chine hosts more evening events, some exclusively geared towards adults.
Licensing hours would extend from 10pm to 1am — allowing a 30-minute winding down period to clear guests from the park.
Plays, live and recorded music
The extended hours would also allow plays and live and recorded music to go on longer, and alcohol to be sold later.
At the moment, alcohol is only allowed to be sold at five locations across the park but it is hoped, with a site-wide licence, alcohol could be sold anywhere.
Socially responsible drinking promotions
Any drinking promotions, the park said, would be socially responsible and would not encourage excessive drinking.
The park said it will have trained security staff on duty during events and at peak trading periods, being extra vigilant over a longer period of time.
Risk assessments and event management plans would feature noise management and queue management policies.
View the application
You can view the application, 23/00816/LAPVAR, on the council’s licence register.
Representations can be made to the Isle of Wight Council by 30th June.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Vectis Ventures
