A CHALKWELL cafe has caused a stir after applying for a licence to sell alcohol.

A decision will be made on Wednesday as to whether the Saltwater Beach Cafe will be allowed to hold a licence to sell alcohol on its premises.

If the licence is approved, the cafe will be allowed to sell alcohol from 9:30am up until 10pm.

Located on Chalkwell Esplanade, the application has been met with disapproval from residents.

Jane Hendry, from the Chalkwell Ward Residents’ Association, said: “A number of our members contacted us to raise concerns about this licensing proposal, and it was discussed in detail at our last meeting in July, following which we sent a letter of objection to the licensing authority.  “Objections are mainly around the sale of alcohol during the daytime, when children will be using the cafe and nearby beach, and in the evening, when drinking outside could disturb the peace of what is otherwise a wholly residential area.  “We hope that the licensing committee will take these concerns seriously.”

Even though the application has faced opposition, 91 representatives voted on the idea, with 65 in favour of it and 26 objecting it.

The application was submitted on July 5 and is for the grant of a Premises Licence.

As part of the application, the cafe is required to adhere to drink measures set out in it.

So if you want a beer, it must come as a half pint, if you fancy a glass of wine, it must come in a 125ml glass, and if you are up for something stronger, then whisky, rum, vodka or gin then you have a choice between 25ml and 35ml measures.

A relatively new cafe, it opened up on the esplanade in September last year.

The cafe serves breakfast and hot drinks for customers, but it is looking to extend its stock and be able to sell alcohol to its customers.

There is also an outside area where customers can eat and drink, but, as part of application, alcoholic drinks will not be allowed outside past 9pm.

The cafe is also required to have CCTV on the premises which must be made available to Essex Police if any incidents occur and be retained for a minimum of four weeks.

The Saltwater Beach Cafe were contacted for comment, but they declined.