“Just asking for trouble” — Plans for an Isle of Wight seaside cafe to sell takeaway alcohol have been condemned by nearby residents.
The Wooldridge Group which owns and operates the Bay Cafe, on the recently redeveloped Totland Pier, is seeking permission for a new alcohol licence.
The cafe already has a licence, granted in February 2020, but the new one is looking to allow customers to take alcohol off the premises.
A “magnet for serious drinkers”
The move has been objected to by nine Totland residents who say it could ‘add considerably’ to light, noise, litter and traffic pollution as well as raise ‘safety concerns in an area recognised for its peaceful and outstanding natural beauty’.
One said it would inevitably cause anti-social behavioural problems in the vicinity of the pier head and the seafront, which they said is an area difficult to police, and be a “magnet for serious drinkers”.
Measures would put in place
The Wooldridge Group says it would put in place several measures to address fears, including regular security patrols and service cut-off times.
It says it is well versed in the importance of abiding by regulations and it would not do anything to jeopardise the local area.
The hours applied, from 9am to 11pm, the group says, allows for flexibility should an event require it, but it does not mean alcohol would be sold for all those hours.
Would not serve intoxicated people
To mitigate fears of anti-social behaviour it said it would not serve intoxicated people and have signage asking guests to leave quietly.
The group has also confirmed with police it would undertake staff training, implement a Challenge 25 police, install CCTV and not allow glass to be removed from the premises.
Isle of Wight council officers have highlighted the cafe cannot be responsible for people’s behaviour once they have left the premises, but said it is for the business to ensure alcohol is sold responsibly.
Public Space Protection Order
Officers have also said the pier is in a restricted area, covered by a Public Space Protection Order, which means police officers can ask people to stop drinking there, or else be fined.
As concerns have been raised, the Isle of Wight council’s licensing sub-committee will meet on 6th November 2023 to determine the application.
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
