PLANS have been unveiled for a brand new café, bistro and cocktail bar on Weymouth Esplanade - if the premises is granted a licence.

Proposed new venue Caffeine Weymouth could revive an empty premises at 44 The Esplanade, which was last occupied by a traditional tearooms, Mary's Tearoom, which closed down this autumn.

In its place, Caffeine Weymouth is hoping to operate as a café/coffee bar on the first floor, with a cocktail bar and bistro aimed at over 25s below.

The applicants are requesting permission to serve late night alcohol and refreshments, and for showing films and indoor sporting events and holding live music and performances. They've requested permitted opening hours between 8.30am and 4.30am every day - although objections have been raised over this by Weymouth Town Council.

The objection came at a meeting of the town council's Planning and Licensing Committee on Tuesday evening - members want Licensing authority Dorset Council to scrutinize the plans.

Meanwhile David Ramsay, a licensing consultant acting on behalf of Caffeine Weymouth, said: "The applicant has recently taken over this premises previously known as Mary’s Tearooms. Unfortunately, the premises licence was surrendered at the beginning of October 2021 by the licence holder as the business was closing down.

Dorset Echo: Mary's Tearooms which closed this autumnMary's Tearooms which closed this autumn

"The applicant intends to run the premises in a similar nature and similar hours to the previous licence with a café/coffee bar theme on the ground floor and a cocktail bar/bistro on the lower floor aimed at the over 25 market.

"Due to the premises position in a busy town centre location, it will be run by experienced staff in a responsible manner."

Measures proposed to prevent crime and disorder include making sure that all front of house staff are trained to a competent level including licensing law and drug awareness, as well as holding a Level 2 Award in Conflict Management.

There will be a minimum of two SIA registered door supervisors on duty from 11pm onwards when the venue is open late, on Fridays, Saturdays and New Year’s Eve. CCTV cameras will be in place to monitor the area outside the premises.

Staff will encourage customers to leave quietly and have regard for residents, and noise coming from inside will not emanate from the venue.

However there is a strict policy on new bars, pubs and clubs starting up in Weymouth town centre - with new premises applications automatically refused due to the area being considered a trouble hotspot.

*Public comments about the proposed new licence can be made until December 17 by visiting www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/comment-on-an-licence-application