Decision due on cafe licence plan
A DECISION is due on Friday on whether to allow a cafe at Roath Lake to sell alcohol until 11pm.
Terra Nova Cafe, to the southwest of the lake, has applied to Cardiff council for a premises licence.
If granted, the cafe could open to the public until 11pm seven days a week, and sell alcohol from 12pm until 11pm seven days a week. The cafe currently shuts at 5pm.
Councillors on the licensing subcommittee will decide on whether to grant the cafe a licence at a public meeting on Friday.
The licensing application has caused controversy with many residents writing to the council, both supporting and objecting the plans.
Supporters said the cafe would be a “beautiful” spot to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the lake, while objectors raised fears of anti-social behaviour.
Gates used to shut at night preventing access to Roath Park. But the council has left them open since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, to allow people extra space to exercise. People objecting to the plans said this has increased anti-social behaviour near the lake.
One resident said: “It was nice living here but since the Roath Park gate has been open, there is smoke, drink, drugs, alcohol, smell and noise every night. You can smell ganja, plus with granting this license to the cafe it will be impossible to live here.”
Another said: “I like a glass of wine myself, but do not think that alcohol should be served in the cafe until 7pm at the earliest.
“A licence may encourage those who want an alcoholic drink to stay all afternoon, reducing the space available for other visitors.”
A third said: “The lake is already frequented by fishing people who smoke marijuana and drink high strength lager, who stay over at the lake in tents and tarnish the lake’s wonderful feel in the mornings.”
The cafe has an outdoor decking area, with views out onto the lake. And indoors, windows allow a good view of the water.
Conditions on the licence could mean that no customers would be allowed to sit outside the cafe after 9pm, to prevent too much noise.
As well as objectors, several wrote to the council supporting the application, highlighting the idyllic setting.
One resident said: “We live in Penylan and often walk to the lake in the evening, and the thought of having a bite to eat and a glass of wine would really complement the evening. It will be an asset to older people like ourselves away from loud music and crowded areas.”
Another added: “I often eat at the cafe and love taking walks in the park. I am fully supportive of this application, which means people like me would be able to enjoy a meal and a drink at the park in a wonderful community environment.”
A third said: “I live in Lakeside and would love to see the cafe transformed into somewhere you can enjoy a meal and wine. Such a beautiful setting and
I’ve always said there should be a restaurant somewhere to have a drink by the lake.”
Owners of the Terra Nova cafe previously said they did not want to comment while the licensing application process was ongoing. But they will likely have representatives speaking during the hearing on Friday.
Councillors on the sub-committee have a strict criteria to decide whether or not to grant a licence.
They must consider whether the cafe selling alcohol would affect the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder; public safety; preventing public nuisance; and protecting children from harm.