South Devon beach bar gets go-ahead

Applicants have been working to keep noise down

South Devon is getting a new beach bar.

The facility beside Thurlestone Golf Club has been given an alcohol licence after South Hams councillors heard the owners had been working with the local parish council to find ways to keep noise down.

Rupert Stockwell and Katie James appeared at the licensing sub-committee to ask for permission for their Rockbox bar, which offers food and drink and has already proved a hit at nearby South Milton and other locations.

Councillors heard about two objections, with concerns including noise from customers and cars, as well as light pollution. Live and recorded music can’t be restricted once a licence has been granted, although it can be reviewed later.

The bar can open between April and September.

Mr Stockwell told councillors the business had started during lockdown and had grown quickly.

He said: “We have been listening and working with the parish council.”

On the question of rowdy behaviour, Ms James added: “We are very family orientated and we don’t have those kind of issues. Rockbox has been described as a place where people feel safe to bring their children.”

The licence was granted unanimously, and sub-committee chair Cllr Julie Carson (Con, Wembury and Brixton) said: “We ask you to be mindful of the concerns of members of the public.”