A council has awarded an alcohol licence to a surf school despite fears drunken louts could spoil the beach’s “ambience”.
Joss Bay Surf School in Broadstairs will now be able to sell drinks in plastic cups between 10am to 6pm all year round.
Thanet District Council’s (TDC) licensing subcommittee approved the bid, but slashed the time back from the originally requested 10pm during summer.
Before Wednesday’s meeting, many residents raised concerns about the impact of booze on the beach.
Speaking to KentOnline at Joss Bay last week, Sarah Ryder, 30 and from Whitstable, said: “It is such a beautiful, unspoilt beach, and if you’re selling alcohol to people, it means a lot more waste and rubbish going into the sea.
“Because it’s so secluded, you can only really drive here – the buses don’t run that late – and I think that will lead to more people drink-driving.
“I’m just not sure if I’m in support of it, if I’m being honest.”
Surf school director Sam Berry revealed alcohol would be served from the venue, dubbed ‘The Store,’ in disposable cups.
And should plans progress, the firm’s application states, staff will tackle increased waste by cleaning up the 200-metre stretch of sand each day.
Within the three official objections, one resident opposed the plans in especially strong terms, citing potential danger to children.
“I am aware that the general public may bring alcohol onto the beach, but this would be limited to what they have brought,” they wrote in a letter to the council.
“Having premises selling alcohol means that there would be an unlimited supply.
“There are very few public toilets, which are often locked at 6pm, meaning the likelihood is that people will urinate in the alley leading to the beach or on the beach while inebriated.
“Children should be allowed to enjoy the beach free from drunks or high-spirited youngsters and adults.
“Inebriated adults will again take away from the ambience of the beach.”
Fighting back at the meeting this week, Mr Berry said: “We’re not a nightclub. People aren’t going to be queuing up, fighting to get served from a hatch.
“It’s more of a slow and steady process.
“We’re not looking to be a late-night venue in any way.”
Councillors had no questions for the applicant or the objectors who were present.
After about 20 minutes of deliberation, they decided to grant The Store’s licence, subject to them adhering to conditions and changing the time they must stop selling alcohol.
