Eastbourne Seafront Cafe Gets Go Ahead For Changes - Despite Residents' Concerns

Friday, 25 August 2023 07:37

By Huw Oxburgh, Local Democracy Reporter

A bid to reinvent a seafront cafe has been given the go ahead by Eastbourne councillors.

Earlier this month, an Eastbourne Borough Council licensing panel approved proposals to vary the licence of The Glass House in Royal Parade.

Formerly known as the Pavilion Cafe, the premises changed its name after being taken over by the Eastbourne publican Shoes Simes — owner of the Dewdrop Inn, The Eagle, and The Rainbow — in August last year.

Ms Simes had been seeking permission for a series of changes to the venue’s existing licence, including: later opening hours; permission to host films, plays and live music; and the removal of an existing condition requiring off-sales of alcohol to be made alongside food.

While no concerns have been raised by Sussex Police or other responsible authorities, these proposals have prompted objections from several neighbours, primarily due to concerns about the late night opening.

Ms Simes had initially sought permission for the venue to be able to open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights and until 1am on all other days. The venue would have been able to sell alcohol up until half an hour before these closing times.

During the hearing, however, Ms Simes opted to reduce these hours to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights and until midnight on all other days, with her representative saying the existing hours were not commercially viable.

These hours were ultimately deemed to be acceptable by councillors.

In its decision notice, the council said:

“The subcommittee carefully considered the written representations from the member of the public. However, the subcommittee were content that the licensable hours were reasonable, in all the circumstances.

“In addition, it considered that the conditions … would reasonably address those concerns.

“The members also noted the reassurances provided that should any concerns arise, the applicant would address those forthwith. The subcommittee in making its decision took into account the premises would be focussed on the supply of food and that the provision of alcohol was ancillary to that.”