Owners of Tuckton Tea Gardens say a permanent licence to sell alcohol and host live music would help secure the business’s future, while objectors fear it could turn the site into a “beer and live music venue” and increase disturbance for residents.
In a contentious licensing meeting on September 23, an application by Bournemouth Boating Services to allow live and recorded music and the sale of alcohol both on and off-site was heard.
The proposed hours for live music are Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 10.30pm and Sundays from 12pm to 10pm. Recorded music would be permitted indoors from Sunday to Thursday between 9am and 10pm and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10.30pm.
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The company seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the site between midday and 10pm Monday to Thursday, between 11am and 10.30pm Friday and Saturday, and between 11am and 10pm on Sunday. Alcohol would be served indoors year-round, with a mobile bar operating outdoors during the summer months, typically from April to September.
A total of 120 public representations were submitted about the plans, with 94 in objection and 26 in support.
Jason Giddings, Bournemouth Boating Services limited, told the committee: “We have no intention of changing the character and tranquillity of the area which makes it part of the community. Our aim is to allow it to grow into a year-round sustainable business.”
Mr Giddings said the company plans to recruit an additional eight to 10 staff if plans are approved and confirmed that they have been granted planning permission to build a block of four toilets.
Objectors raised concerns at the meeting, stating they didn’t feel they had been properly notified of the proposed changes.
Raj Patel, an objector, said: “This is not an opposition to Tuckton Tea Gardens as a business. Our objection is to the scale, permanence and hours which are now being sought.”
Bill Howlet, another objector said: “We have tolerated these events as we thought they were limited and temporary. We can see the benefit of kids going and being able to watch films or sporting events. But we are talking about 365 days and from our perspective it is not acceptable.”
A decision on the application is expected to be published within five working days.
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