New permanent takeaway bar planned for Southsea's South Parade Pier

It comes after the team behind the Gaiety Bar on South Parade Pier, in Southsea, applied for permission to set up a new business.

Dubbed Beach Bar, the venue is open adjacent to the venue under a temporary events notice.

But owners want to secure the venture for the long term – having recently enjoyed a roaring trade from people on staycation.

Trevor Bratty, who runs the Gaiety Bar, said: ‘Because of lockdown, we decided to set up a takeaway bar out of our entrance.

‘It’s been so successful and it’s been the ideal place for people to get a drink they can take on to the pier.

‘The number of different accents we’ve heard from up north has been incredible, so for us as traders this has been an opportunity to make the best vacation we can for those people.’

If its licence is approved Beach Bar would have permission to open on the left-hand side of the pier from 8am to 11pm seven days a week, serving alcohol from 10am to 11pm.

Mr Bratty added: ‘The plan isn’t to run this as an all-night bar but to stay open until about 9pm in the evening, which we have been doing.

‘We’ll be serving cocktails to give it that vibe of the fun side of Southsea, while going with a seaside theme.’

The applicants have agreed with police to serve all alcoholic drinks in non-glass containers.

But they will face opposition from Eastney and Craneswater councillor Linda Symes, who will give a deputation on behalf of residents at Savoy House.

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The retirement complex in South Parade opened opposite the pier in 2017.

Cllr Symes said in a letter to the council: ‘I will be representing residents from Savoy House who have grave concerns about the number of licensed premises along this part of the promenade.’

In another letter she cited ‘public disorder’ and ‘prevention of children from harm' as concerns.

Beach Bar’s application will be heard by Portsmouth City Council’s licensing sub-committee at 10am on Wednesday, August 19.

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