Published: August 28, 2015
Owner of proposed Burnham town centre bar defends his plans
The owner of a proposed new cocktail bar in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea has defended his plans and vowed to push ahead despite a petition opposing the proposals from over 70 residents and objections from the town council.
Michael Whitfield, the owner of Unit 2 at Chapel Street, pictured, has applied to Sedgemoor District Council for full planning permission to convert the premises into new cocktail bar which would also offer e-cigarette – or vape – products.
Several residents and business owners in the area have raised concerns that the bar could create extra late night noise and anti-social behaviour – but Mr Whitfield has rejected this.
Writing on the Burnham-On-Sea Facebook page, he explained: “We will be opening guys, may be as a shop till this gets sorted one way or another though.”
“In the day we would function as a coffee/vape bar offering superfast wifi and charging ports for those that work off their own devices, the bar would alo sell premium vape products and advice on switching from smoking to vape and its related health benefits, in the evening we would be an over 21’s wine bar, offering quality cocktails.”
“There will be a smart casual dress code, no sport or Tvs, just a nice place to actually talk to each other with some nice background music. We have fitted the place with very high spec furnishings and really gone all out so our customers have the feel of a quality establishment.”
“It was our hope that after a hard day or week it would be a nice place for our customers to enjoy a quality glass of wine, beer and cocktail in a classy environment and be given the VIP treatment we all need sometimes. However our aim seems to have been misconstrued into a rowdy, vodka type bar full of drunks with music blaring. This couldn’t be further from our aim. All support is greatly received, anyone who has any concerns or would like to see bar just let me know.”
