Bembridge Parish Council Withdraws Objection To 'Containership-Style' Bar License Bid

A parish council has withdrawn its objection to an Isle of Wight seaside bar’s premises license after councillors visited the site and ‘changed their mind’.

At the end of a packed Bembridge Parish Council (BPC) meeting at the Village Hall on Friday, councillors agreed to remove their concerns with Wight Knuckle Brewery’s licensing application for The Point off Embankment Road in Bembridge.

BPC made the move in light of measures agreed between the applicant and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

These would form part of a licensing grant and relate to issues including staff training, CCTV monitoring, preventing underage drinking and prohibiting drinks being served in glass vessels.

Offering local food and drink, wellness and water activities, The Point is a collaboration between Island businesses, which aims to ‘restore and revitalise’ a site previously home to a community of travellers.

Parish councillors had previously raised concerns over public safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.

Wight Knuckle has also agreed to reduce the bar’s opening hours.

Serving alcohol and soft drinks, the bar is to be located between the Silver Sands Car Park and beach, according to Wight Knuckle’s application form.

It says:

“The premises is located at Silver Sands Car Park, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, situated in a coastal setting adjacent to the beach. We have permission from the landowner, John Smith who owns the entire premises including the beach (up to the high tide lines).

“It will consist of a converted containership-style bar serving alcohol and soft drinks. The bar structure will be positioned between the car park and beach and will be complemented by a designated seating area under stretch tents to provide a sheltered and comfortable environment for customers.

“All activity on-site will be managed to uphold the four licensing objectives, with particular attention to the prevention of public nuisance and ensuring public safety in this unique outdoor setting.”

Cllr Marianne Sullivan said:

“I don’t like to make decisions with no understanding of something so I duly went to The Point…and I’ve now completely changed my mind.

“My previous concerns were environmental and biodiversity…but there was such good atmosphere, there was such a friendly feeling – it was open to all ages – particularly young people.

“Dogs under control where present, service was exemplary, the whole place was utterly delightful.”

Cllr Sarah Noyes added:

“Like Cllr Sullivan I have also visited the site – was really impressed with all of it – people were there enjoying themselves.

“I really can’t see any reason to object…certainly, during the summer, people will go and drink on the beach anyway and if it’s slightly more regulated, all’s well.”

The site was previously at the centre of a row between a traveller community and the Bembridge Harbour Authority (BHA).

BHA said the travellers were parked there “unlawfully”, failing to follow rules and “mistreating” adjacent land, claims which were strongly denied by the travellers who left the site in Autumn last year.

A hearing date for licensing application 25/00842/LAPNEW has not yet been set.