East Lothian locals have hit out at plans to serve alcohol at a new outdoor seating area, fearing it would turn the seaside town into a "mini Blackpool".
Stirling Stewart, owner of The Rocketeer in North Berwick, has applied for a series of occasional licences to allow him to serve alcohol at an outside seating area from the end of this month.
However, the move has brought more than a dozen complaints from local residents after his proposal suggested using Anchor Green, which borders the restaurant. It is home to a Celtic cross and is said to be a popular spot with locals.
Applying for three occasional licences for the site, Mr Stewart has told East Lothian Council’s licensing board that both Hew Dalrymple, the owner of the land, and the nearby Seabird Centre have given a thumbs-up to his proposal.
In an application which will go before the board for a decision next week, he says: “During social distancing measures, we would look to put our tables and chairs outside on the grass area, as internally there is not enough space to keep customers the required distance apart.
“We would use our biodegradable plates, boxes, cutlery and glasses that we use for our takeaway.
“The owner of the land and the Seabird Centre, who lease the land, have confirmed that they are happy for us to use the land.”
A planning application from Mr Stewart to allow the green to be used as outdoor seating by the restaurant for three years was refused by the council’s planners last month.
Now, objections have been lodged against any alcohol licence being approved for the same site.
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One objector said: “I can see North Berwick becoming a mini Blackpool without the illuminations.”
Another branded the proposals “ridiculous”, adding: “Is this the image we want not just for our beautiful harbour but for our town centre in general?”
Others claimed that the move would be “hijacking”, the green which is a popular spot for families and visitors to relax.
The board will meet to make its decision virtually on Thursday.
