“We are not trying to attract people who take a four pack to the beach. We are looking to create something truly spectacular” for the Isle of Wight.
That was the promise as a seaside cafe was given the green light to sell alcohol, despite nearby residents fearing it would spark anti-social behaviour.
The Bay Cafe’s neighbours argued it would cause extra noise nuisance and other problems.
Permission granted
In a decision made yesterday (Monday), members of the Isle of Wight Council’s licensing sub-committee allowed the owners of the cafe at Totland Pier to sell alcoholic drinks from 9am to 11pm, all year round.
The committee made one change: Instead of allowing drinks in plastic containers to be taken off the site, they will need to be in biodegradable cups instead.
Measures promised
A security team and CCTV were promised under the application and, as part of the licence, conditions were agreed with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary requiring staff training and a ‘Challenge 25’ policy.
Representatives from the Wooldridge Partnership, which owns the cafe and pier, said it was a continuation of what had clearly worked — and was well-loved — before.
Not ‘amateurs trying it on’
They said they were not ‘amateurs trying it on’, adding their team includes award-winning experts who understand any failure to abide by the licence could see it being revoked.
Alcohol would primarily be sold at events, allowing customers to take drinks outside, they said, adding rowdy beach-goers were not their expected clientele.
A representative said,
“We believe so strongly in what our proposition has to offer we are going to guard every aspect of it, so it provides nothing but a spectacular result.”
The partnership said it would continue to work with objectors and address any issues they had.
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
