An East Cowes cafe has been met with resistance after its owners applied for an alcohol licence.
Some local residents of Clarence Road have asked for Betty’s Door application to be rejected — saying it would increase noise and nuisance.
The owners of the cafe, which has been open for more than 3 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 11:00 to 16:00, with extended hours until 20:30 on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and during Cowes Week.
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 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.
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.
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.
In response to some of the comments, the owners have 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.”
The licence will be decided at an Isle of Wight Council licensing sub-committee on Monday (27th February), where all parties will present their case including the authority’s Environmental Health team who have raised no objection.
Well residents of East Cowes, those miserable ones who have moaned, you need to learn that local independent businesses are part of the community and play a huge part in our local economy, it would be much nicer to read a story about a company prospering in these difficult economic times rather than a company being prevented from an opportunity to grow.
Best of luck to them, not sure why people oppose to businesses trying to operate in commercial areas. Next they’ll be moaning theres no where to grab a drink in the evening.
Just one look at this place tells you that this is not a place for a rowdy crowd.
How dare someone run a business on the island and try to make jobs. Don’t they no nothing should change and it all must stay as it was in the 70’s. Can’t upset the NIMBY minority.
At a rip off price of £4.50 for a sausage roll I don’t think I could afford an alcoholic drink as well!!!
Quote “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.”
Someone is living in dreamland here…We goto the cafe almost every day.Whoever made the comment has obviously never been to Betty’s Door…. Explain how children will hear foul language when the licence hours are 11am to 4pm. All children will (should) be at school ! Has anyone witnessed the foul language by kids sitting outside Waitrose and smoking the wacky baccy ? As far as I know, alcohol will only be served to those having a meal. I you don’t want a meal, there’s at least 2 pubs nearby. Soundproofing ??? For what ?? So people passing by can’t hear?
Cannot believe that people are objecting to this application. Bettys Door closes 3 or 4 in the afternoon where as the Liberal Club just around the corner from Bettys and the Conservative Club a few doors up from Bettys close late at night.
The comment regarding people inhaling cigarette smoke that happens every time you walk around the town. Regarding swearing and young people hearing it that also happens at the bus stop.
I cannot believe that a new popular business should have such negative comments about the application. I would have thought with the amount of empty shops in East Cowes the Town Council would encourage a thriving business
People have nothing better todo apart from moan about other people. It’s very entertaining
I don’t think those who like to make noise and nuisance ordinarily choose cafe as their favourite place to drink alcohol 😀
Love how we suddenly pretend to care about children. But safer roads? Nah, we need on-street parking. Skatepark? Nah, children will be too loud. Youth club investment? Nah, we’d rather pay less for parking. Paying more to teachers? Nah, we care about children but not THAT much!
So Is not the Vic tavern and Ship and, Con club, lib club, in a residential area, and they all take a fag outside, given the fact that the closing time is mid afternoon I cannot possibly see the logic in refusing the alcohol licence, unless there is some other underlying reason
Looks good to me. I’d quite enjoy having a skinful in there I think.
Good grief what a load of grumpy numptys we have ,,,,,people are trying to make a living….
Would you prefer another derelict shop ?????
You can buy alcohol 24 /7 almost anywhere ! !!!!!
What is wrong with a glass or two of prosecco ???
Get a life ….
Good luck hope licence is granted!
People moan for the sake of moaning! They should be more concerned with alcohol being sold to motorists on the ferry than driving! And I wonder how many of the people that complain actually use the cafe? And would they have the guts to complain directly to the owner??
Let’s hope that common sense prevails and this establishment is granted an alcohol licence.
They a cafe not a pub
Well the town mayor does own the salon next door….
I say open up a free bar for all East Cowes residents. They need it, the place is an utter ‘&%^t hole at the best of times.
This is a very good cafe and something that East Cowes needs. A glass of wine with lunch is civilised and not liable to cause trouble. Good luck to them and please give them the licence.