Council denies alcohol licence for pop-up restaurant at Baby Bay amid public urination concerns
Residents’ complaints lead to license refusal for Beach Club near Polzeath
Cornwall Council has refused a premises licence application for Baby Bay Beach Club, a pop-up restaurant at Pentireglaze Haven, known as Baby Bay, near Polzeath.
The decision followed complaints from residents about patrons urinating on the beach and nearby paths.
During the council meeting on 9th September, St Minver Highlands Parish Council representatives voiced opposition, citing concerns over patrons walking up an unlit cliff path to access toilets.
Will Hermann, director of Porthilly Spirit Distillery Ltd and operator of Baby Bay Beach Club, acknowledged the concerns, but clarified his application was for a family-orientated barbecue restaurant, not an unrestricted beach bar. He stressed alcohol sales would end by 5:30pm.
Hermann aimed for a maximum of ten evening dining events annually, seeking a clearer framework than allowing customers to bring their own alcohol.
Despite assurances from Hermann regarding customer management and the absence of statutory objections, concerns about public safety on unlit paths, noise nuisance, and impact on the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) led the council to refuse the application.
Councillors emphasized that although some issues had been addressed, the lack of on-site toilet facilities would undermine licensing objectives.
The committee expressed serious concerns about public safety and noise disturbances affecting the residential area.