SHOEBURY East Beach visitors could soon get the chance to sip a glass of wine while enjoying sweeping sea views.

The new East Beach Café has applied to Southend Council for a licence to sell alcohol to accompany its menu which includes top notch fish and chips.

Owner Daniel Levy said: “We are not promoting it as a pub. It’s going to be more for dining with a pint or a glass of wine in the summer overlooking the sea.

“We’re not encouraging people to traipse down here at 5pm after work and get smashed at all.

“It’s a very sensitive site and we’re going to run it very carefully.”

The move has been welcomed by Shoeburyness Residents Association as a welcome addition to the popular beach.

Peter Lovett, chairman of the association, said: “We need it on East Beach. We need something to give refreshments.

“Selling drinks as long as it’s part of a licence to control that, as long as it’s done properly, I don’t seen any problem.

“It may encourage the council to do other things. We’ve got the new car park, a new pathway and solar powered lighting.

“The one thing we want is the new beach defence and new steps down to the beach.

“I’m hoping that the café will brighten it all up and we’ll get more people in – that they will put the money in that we were supposed to have two or three years ago. I’m very happy with it.”

A spokesperson for East Beach Residents’ Association (EBRA) also welcomed the licence application and said: “EBRA supports local business and wishes the cafe every success.

“We would suggest that the licence has conditions stipulating CCTV and also door staff during busier weekends and evenings, to reassure local residents and prevent intoxicated persons gathering.”

Southend Council has built two outlets on the site of a former café which burnt down more than 20 years ago.

They form part of a £2million regeneration scheme. So far only one has been let.