Fears ‘charming' Cornwall resort will be ruined if beach café is allowed to sell booze
Cornwall Council's had more than 50 objections to a licensing application by Widemouth Bay Café
A bid by a beach café to serve alcohol at a popular Cornish coastal spot has not gone down well with a large number of locals.
Cornwall Council has received more than 50 objections – including from the local parish council and the area’s Cornwall councillor – against a licensing application by Widemouth Bay Café to serve booze until 11pm all week, though the owners say they will only open late on sunny days.
Many residents fear it will lead to antisocial behaviour, noise and people urinating and defecating in the dunes as the premises doesn’t have any toilets.
Based on Marine Drive in the resort, the business is described as a “family friendly food-led café serving meals and refreshments to local residents and visitors”.
Applicants Sarah and Rob Lock stated: “The premises will be managed to the highest standard with a focus on proactive risk mitigation. We will ensure that all staff are fully trained in the licensing objectives and that this training is documented and available for inspection.
“Our overarching approach is to provide a safe, inclusive environment through rigorous ID checks, active floor management and open communication with the police and local residents to ensure the venue remains a positive asset to the community.”
Despite their promise of mitigations, a large number of locals have written to the council’s licensing department with their concerns. Among them are Poundstock Parish Council and Cllr Nicky Chopak, who represents the area at Cornwall Council.
She wrote: “Due to the request to extend the opening hours, and the open access to the beach, this would lead to uncontrolled antisocial behaviour.”
Other objections include:
“If the application in its current form is granted with no restrictions I anticipate problems with antisocial behaviour which will completely change the character of this charming beach resort. We already have three pub/restaurants in Widemouth which serve the community well.”
“The licence application fundamentally changes the nature of the premises from a beach side café which opens during daytime hours, to a bar open until late evenings. I believe that this will have a detrimental effect upon the area, as well as a negative impact on surrounding residential premises.”
“Given all the problems we know Polzeath have experienced and are still experiencing we really don’t want Widemouth to follow suit and be totally changed from a peaceful beach location into a nightclub seven days a week.”
“The combination of extended hours, alcohol availability and an isolated coastal location with no public transport creates conditions conducive to antisocial behaviour, which local residents and the responding authorities would be poorly placed to address.”
The applicants responded to the concerns in a letter, stating: “Our intention is to ensure the café operates in a way that is respectful to residents while remaining a positive addition to the community.
“Our goal is to create something that works well for everyone – particularly those living nearby – and we’re keen to maintain a positive relationship with our neighbours from the outset.”
The Locks say the café will only extend its hours into the evening on sunny days. During overcast or poor weather, the premises will operate within standard daytime café hours,
They state that alcohol will not be permitted to leave the premises in open containers and that consumption will be restricted to a clearly defined and supervised area.
The couple added that prominent signage will be displayed highlighting beach safety, responsible alcohol consumption and consideration for neighbouring residents.