Park View landlady wins licence battle

The landlady at the centre of a fierce licensing row has spoken of her relief at being allowed to play live music and serve drinks without food. Judy Wattiez, 53, of the Park View Restaurant had faced strident opposition from 28 residents of neighbouring Margaret Court, who feared it would lead to noise and nuisance.

The listed pub, in Park Road, Herne Bay, was formally the Royal Oak which had a reputation for rowdy behaviour. When the premises were reopened in February as the Park View Restaurant, new manager Miss Wattiez was only allowed to serve drinks with food.

She applied for a dual licence so drinks could be served without food. But that attracted an avalanche of complaints. Then 100 of Miss Wattiez's customers hit back with a petition complaining that not being able to get a drink at the bar was in breach of their human rights.

Bemused members of the city council's licensing committee finally gave her what she wanted on Tuesday. Miss Wattiez admitted:

"I'm absolutely over the moon. It's all I wanted. It's my home. I don't want trouble, I'm just really pleased now and hope the neighbours leave me alone. It's been a struggle but I'm glad it's finally over and we can crack on with making the business thrive. I've done my utmost to engage with neighbours who have had concerns. I even tried to go to a Residents' Association meeting at Margaret Court but they wouldn't let me in. I invited them to look inside the restaurant but they declined. I have told them they are welcome to use my premises for their meetings free of charge. We have made every effort but they don't want to know."

She has now complied with all conditions demanded by police including installing CCTV and having a doorman for events with more than 60 people. Doors must be closed during live music performances with a note for patrons to leave quietly and a phone number on a board for residents. However, one pensioner living nearby who did not want to be named, said:

"It's horrible. I can't believe they got it after all the complaints. I'm utterly shocked. The whole process has been derisory!"

The licence change means live music can be played from noon to 11.30pm up to three times a week, excluding Sundays. Dancing will also be allowed. Janine Collopy, a pensioner from Margaret Court, said many of her fellow residents' concerns were unfounded. She said:

"Most of the noise is nothing to do with the pub. It's youngsters coming back from the park and making a racket, using all sorts of foul language. People have even complained about plastic beer cups being dropped all over the place when the pub doesn't use plastic cups. It's just been plain silly. Judy should be given a chance. I'm glad she has been."

Miss Wattiez had applied to the city council in March but was turned down after objections from neighbours.

HB Times 30th Jun 2011

Racist graffiti attack shocks shop owners

HB Gazette 23rd Jun 2011

Crime-watching

A CCTV camera has been installed on Herne Bay seafront to deter beach hut vandals - but only for six weeks. The temporary measure was put in place after concerns about vandalism and arson attempts were expressed. The seafront at Western Esplanade has long been a target for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, with countless crimes reported in recent years.

The council has knocked back hut owners’ pleas for a permanent camera, blaming a lack of money in the budget. But last week it installed one of its three mobile cameras on a lamppost in Western Esplanade. It’s hoped the device - which was used at the same site last year - will deter would-be vandals and yobs from causing havoc during the summer holidays. Herne Bay Beach Hut Owners’ Association chairman Andrew Cook said: 

“We certainly welcome it back. As soon as it went up last time the aggravation stopped, and as soon as it was taken down it started up again. But we would like to see two or three permanent cameras along this stretch. If I had my way they’d cover all the way along to Hampton. I’m positive in thinking something could happen.”

Police community officer Mike Keam - a designated beach watchdog - added: 

“It’s good that we have the camera here. It will certainly act as a deterrent. If people are stupid and want to do something in front of it, we get to see what they’re doing and catch them.”

The camera will be operated by city council CCTV staff, who will alert the police to any illicit activity The council’s mobile camera chief Ray Aziz said: 

“We try and put the cameras where they are needed. The idea is that it acts as a deterrent and also as a monitoring resource for the council and police. We hope its presence will provide beach hut owners with some reassurance.” 

Mr Aziz said a permanent camera could cost between £10,000 and £25,000. The proposal will be discussed in September by councillors overseeing the budget.

HB Gazette 15th July 2010