Charley’s Traditional Fish & Chips in Cardiff Bay has sparked controversy among residents living nearby due to their plans to sell alcohol. Despite Cardiff Council’s licensing sub-committee approving the application for the fish and chip shop to sell alcohol from 10 am to 11 pm, residents from the Quayside apartments have voiced their strong opposition. The residents have raised concerns about their vehicle entrance being used as a urinal, expressing fears that allowing another licensed premises in the area could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.
Representing Charley’s Traditional Fish & Chips, Tony Bowley highlighted that the owner is an experienced operator of licensed premises and assured that their alcohol-selling proposal was modest. He mentioned that they would be the first establishment in the immediate vicinity to stop alcohol service in the evenings. The South Wales Police initially objected to the application but withdrew their opposition after certain conditions were agreed upon by the applicants. However, residents persisted in their objections, citing issues with noise pollution and a potential increase in littering if the shop were to sell alcohol.
One of the Quayside residents wrote a letter to the council expressing concerns about the proximity of the proposed premises to residential dwellings and the lack of adequate waste disposal facilities in the area. They also highlighted the absence of public toilets, leading to the unsanitary use of the Quayside vehicle entrance as a urinal. Mr. Bowley reassured residents that facilities, including toilets, were included in the plans for Charley’s, suggesting that the shop’s presence would not cause disorder in the area.
Despite these efforts to alleviate concerns, residents like Liz Hawkins and Emily Sadler remained skeptical. Hawkins pointed out the already confined nature of the area surrounded by numerous licensed premises, expressing apprehension about granting another alcohol license. Sadler echoed similar sentiments, stating that a fish and chip takeaway in a busy location may not necessitate an alcohol license. These objections highlight the underlying tensions between commercial interests and residential concerns in the Cardiff Bay area.
In response to claims about noise disturbance from a previous establishment linked to Charley’s owner, Bowley dismissed the accusations, attributing the amplified music to another restaurant. He emphasised that residents knowingly chose to live in a bustling area of the city and suggested that the proposed fish and chip shop would cater to the diverse needs of visitors to Cardiff Bay. The dispute underscores the challenges of balancing economic development with maintaining the quality of life for residents in metropolitan areas.
The conflicting perspectives on Charley’s Traditional Fish & Chips’ alcohol license application reflect wider debates on urban planning and community relations. As Cardiff Bay continues to evolve with new businesses and amenities, the clash between commercial interests and residential concerns is likely to persist. The outcome of this dispute will not only impact the operations of Charley’s but also set a precedent for future developments in the area. Residents and business owners must navigate these complex dynamics to foster a harmonious coexistence and vibrant environment in Cardiff Bay.