LOCALS OPPOSE TO PLANS FOR SEASIDE CAFE IN TOTLAND TO SELL TAKEAWAY BOOZE

Plans for a seaside café in Totland to sell takeaway alcohol have been condemned and labelled as ‘just asking for trouble’ by nearby residents. The Wooldridge Group which owns and operates the Bay Café, on the recently redeveloped Totland Pier, is seeking permission for a new alcohol licence. The café already has a licence, granted in February 2020, but the new one is looking to allow customers to take alcohol off the premises. The move has been objected to by a total 9 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”. 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 09:00 to 23:00, the group says, allows for flexibility should an event require it but it does not mean alcohol would be sold for all those hours. 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 café 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. 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 to determine the application.