An Isle of Wight cafe has been met with resistance after its owners applied for an alcohol licence.
Some local residents of Clarence Road in East Cowes have asked for Betty’s Door application to be rejected — saying it would increase noise and nuisance.
Prosecco afternoon teas or a glass of wine with lunch
The owners of the cafe, which has been open for more than three months in the town, have hit back, saying it would only serve alcohol during restricted hours in the day and allow customers to have prosecco afternoon teas or a glass of wine with lunch.
The owners are asking to be able to serve alcohol every day from 11am to 4pm, with extended hours until 8.30pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and during Cowes Week.
Strict rules would be adhered to
As part of their application, the owners say any incidents or issues would be recorded and reported if necessary; no alcohol would be served to someone deemed to be intoxicated and a Challenge 25 policy would operate.
The applicants have agreed to conditions with the police over staff training, log books and ID checks.
Concerns about noise levels
Concerns have been raised that where the cafe is a residential area and granting the licence will lead to noise issues.
East Cowes Town Council has said it is against the licence as it is says there would be a likelihood of noise and nuisance from patrons gathering on the pavement outside.
“Foul language, breathe in smoke and witness disorderly conduct”
Another said children may hear foul language, breathe in smoke and witness disorderly conduct from those standing outside and the buildings are not sufficiently soundproofed.
IWC: Not considered a likely consequence of granting a licence
Council officers say the premises is located at the commercial end of Clarence Road, surrounded by other commercial premises, and there would be no congregating outside.
They say the risk of noise nuisance or children being subjected to witnessing anti-social behaviour is not considered to be a likely consequence of the granting of a licence.
Owners: Felt that what we were proposing, was just what East Cowes needed
In response to some of the comments, the owners said,
“We fell in love with the building and felt that what we were proposing, was just what East Cowes needed … We have followed the rules and restrictions to the book and will remain to do so.”
Sub-committee meeting
The licence will be decided at an Isle of Wight Council licensing sub-committee on Monday (27th Feb), where all parties will present their case including the authority’s Environmental Health team who have raised no objection.
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: © Betty’s Door
