Wetherspoon's says 'pile it high, sell it cheap' image outdated

If licensing and planning applications are granted, Wetherspoon's plans to open in Whitstable for the summer season.

Around 50 people turned up to a public meeting in St Mary's Hall last night about the company's proposals to open a pub in the former cinema which is currently Oxford Bingo Club  - a good turnout on a wintry night which required extra chairs to be unfolded so there were perhaps more people than the visitors expected.

Three representatives from the company were present: the head of licensing, the regional manager and the area manager, as well as their architect.There were plans on display, and printed information about the company to take away. The audience politely voiced their concerns and listened to the answers.

Useful facts learned were:

• the company anticipates 50% of their sales will be from food
• around 40 jobs will be created
• the maximum capacity of the pub will be between 400-450 people
• they have been interested in Whitstable for some time
• controlling the front outside area seems the most controversial part of the application, and has already been a subject of discussion with the police and the planning office
• the request to 'show films' relates only to using TV screens around the pub

The principal speaker Nigel Connor, who is the company's head of licensing, said that objections to the plans had been received, but also some letters of support.

He said a main area of concern by objectors was the open front forecourt, especially as it is opposite a school (St Alphege). "We have taken that on board," he said - and no drinking would be allowed in that area. There would be a 'beer garden' at the back of the pub, which Canterbury Council is suggesting should only be open until 10pm. However the company would like it to be in use later at night for smokers.

In reply to further questions from the audience about the front area, Mr Connor said that there would be 'door supervision' on weekend nights and CCTV to help enforce control. The company had been talking to the police about this. Mr Connor said there would be a 'zero tolerance' approach to bad language and trouble, and that the reputation of Wetherspoon's as being a 'pile it high and sell it cheap' operation was outdated.

"We intend the pub to be an asset to the town," he said, and promised  there would be another meeting with residents after the pub opens.

A couple of members of the audience queried the need for a licence to serve alcohol from 9am. Mr Connor said that breakfast would be available from 7am and in their other pubs there was some small demand for alcohol from 9am. If the demand proved very small then hours could be trimmed back later.

In answer to a question about the impact on existing local pubs, Mr Connor said that Wetherspoon's did not want to the the only pub in town. "We want a vibrant night-time economy," he said.

• The licensing application from JD Wetherspoon's is on the agenda for Canterbury City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee next Tuesday at 11am. Details of the application can be found here, as well as a plan and a representation from local councillor Julia Seath.
• The planning application will be considered at a later date.