Southchurch Park cafe lost bid to serve alcohol in summer

The owners of Southchurch Park Cafe had applied for a licence to sell alcohol and play music in an “enclosed area” outside the business during the summer months, but councillors Martin Terry and Ron Woodley have revealed the bid was rejected.

During the licensing hearing, both councillors and residents raised a series of objections to the proposals.

While the council is yet to reveal the reasons for the refusal, Mr Terry said: “I think maybe they made the wrong approach. I didn’t expect it to be refused but it has, much to the relief of the residents.

“If they’d gone for something more modest, perhaps a licence to sell wine to accompany the existing arrangements there, the music in the afternoons which many people enjoy, it may have been a different situation.”

Mr Terry added: “I’m pleased that the residents have been listened to. I do have a lot of empathy for the residents living literally 25 yards away.”

At the hearing the council’s environmental protection officer Paul Pearce said he believed there would be “a very high risk that noise from the performance amplified music and singing will cause a public nuisance” that would have a “negative impact on health”.

Resident Mark Alexander attended the hearing and said he believed the park would become a “massive beer garden and a flashpoint for antisocial behaviour” fearing it was a “recipe for disaster”.

Councillor Ron Woodley, who also attended the meeting, welcomed the decision.

He said: “The committee listened and have taken note of what the residents said about noise and disruption and the concerns about antisocial behaviour that might take place involving drink.

“I’m really pleased members of the licensing committee agreed with us and refused the licence. Residents emailed me and said we’ve won but we don’t know why. It’s really appalling.”

Both the cafe and Southend Council have been contacted for comment.