Weymouth council clears up 'confusion' over cafe culture crackdown

The borough council has defended its controversial decision to bring in special licences for early morning and late night seating areas outside pubs and bars and restaurants in Weymouth.

It has issued a statement saying it wants to clear up any confusion that exists regarding its policy for licensing 'sitting out' areas in Weymouth, Dorset.

Brief holder for Community Safety, Councillor Geoff Petherick said the council was obliged to provide a pleasant environment for people who come for a Weymouth holiday.

He said: "We are not looking to unnecessarily restrict trade in the town, but we have a responsibility to help to create and support a pleasant environment for customers, visitors and residents alike. When setting the times we took account of the police's view and existing practice in other seaside resorts."

Traders who own premises next or near to Weymouth beach, such as Banus owner Georgina Grayson and Boho owner Mark Stratton, are worried it will hit their takings. Others fear that people could not enjoy al fresco breakfasts at local cafes before 8am. However Cllr Petherick went on to say that licensees in and around Weymouth bay and Weymouth harbour can apply for a later time beyond 11pm or before 8am if they wish and every application will be considered on its merits.

In August 2010 the Policy Development Committee agreed to consult on a draft policy for sitting out areas. An eight week consultation took place with all licence holders

and interested parties involved with Weymouth inns, which ended in October. In December members of the Policy Development Committee considered a report regarding the consultation results and recommended the policy to Management Committee for approval and formal adoption. 

The Management Committee approved the policy on 1 February 2011. All of these meetings were open to the public to attend and express their views.

Councillor Petherick added: "Members will listen to any continuing concerns of licensees and will act for the benefit of the town and Borough as a whole."

What do you think? Will the Weymouth weather let anyone sit outdoors anyway? Will a Weymouth tourist want to sit outside a restaurant or pub after 11pm? Or before 8am? If Weymouth pubs are granted the later licences, will that cause problems with anti-social behaviour?