Residents in Pembrokeshire are up in arms over plans to transform a quaint former tearoom in the sleepy village of Bosherston into a bistro offering late-night alcohol sales. The proposal to allow alcohol sales from 9am up until 10pm at the Old World Cottage has triggered concerns among locals, who fear it will lead to “an absolute nightmare” of increased antisocial behaviour.
With its close proximity to the picturesque lily ponds and alongside popular village haunt The St Govan’s Inn, locals worry the extended hours could disturb the peace of this tranquil setting. The village, known for its natural beauty and home to four camping sites, already grapples with issues like noise, late-night disturbances, and littering, largely attributed to intoxicated visitors.
The community council, alongside 13 other objectors, has voiced their fears that the new licence could exacerbate these issues, citing risks from criminal activities to potential strain on emergency services. Concerns about noise pollution affecting both residents and local wildlife add to the debate.
The committee will examine the application from Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett at a council meeting on February 19. Many locals are adamant the late-night booze licence will not only disrupt the immediate community but will be detrimental to the whole village’s charm, potentially spoiling the beauty of the ponds and coastline.
This news has sparked a surge in neighbourly discussions about how increased access to alcohol might intensify existing problems, like drunkenness and disorderly conduct, putting pressure on public safety and welfare services.
As this proposal awaits its fate, all eyes are on the council’s licensing sub-committee and their upcoming decision. Will Bosherston’s charm remain preserved, or is change on the horizon?