…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media. Sharon Craig, the owner of Gower Coffee and Crunch located near Swansea Airport, expressed her joy at being granted a premises licence, assuring that her establishment would not become a “drunken party place.”
Ms. Craig recently opened the cafe and Langrove Health Club, and she presented her case to the Swansea Council licensing sub-committee, requesting permission to serve alcohol.
Concerns Raised by Objectors:
During the hearing, councillors heard objections from three parties, including a resident living opposite the health club who owns the lane leading to it.
The resident’s letter outlined instances of threatening behavior due to speeding vehicles on the lane and the disposal of litter.
The objector believed that allowing alcohol consumption could exacerbate these issues.
Past History and Owner’s Stance:
Previously, the Langrove operated as a country club with a motel, offering live music and serving alcohol.
Presently, it consists of 28 one-bedroom bungalows and the health club.
The owner of the site, who leases the health club to an operator, expressed concern in his objection letter, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and quiet.
He claimed that customers sitting in the cafe’s outdoor area would create noise and disrupt residents’ lives.
Assurances and Licensing Details:
Mrs. Craig clarified the proposed licensing hours with the site owner, assuring that he was satisfied with them.
She pointed out that speed bumps on the lane prevented speeding and stated that on-site residents had not raised any complaints regarding her license application.
Mrs. Craig emphasized that her establishment was not intended as a place for excessive drinking, highlighting the importance of alcohol service for the survival of her small business.
License Granted with Conditions:
The councillors inquired about the proposed licensing hours, CCTV operation, and bottling up procedures in the evenings.
After careful deliberation, they granted Mrs. Craig a license to serve alcohol from noon to 8:30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
They specified that bottling up activities should not take place between 8:30 pm and 8 am. Additionally, notices must be displayed, requesting customers to leave quietly.
Plans and Excitement for the Future:
Mrs. Craig disclosed that the health club currently closes at 5 pm on weekends, and she intends to maintain those hours.
However, she mentioned that there are plans to extend the hours to 9 pm in the future, prompting her application for later hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Reflecting on the license approval, Mrs. Craig expressed her delight, highlighting the increasing popularity of her establishment through positive word-of-mouth.
A grand opening event is scheduled for July 7, marking an exciting milestone for the business.