Statement by TUV Causeway councillor Allister Kyle:
“This week street traders, business owners and residents have all contacted me to voice their disapproval of a proposed ‘pop up food and drink market’ on the site of the old Metropole in Portrush organised by Belfast based Bachus Group. A letter to residents proposed the market starts on the 21st June and run five days a week for ten consecutive weeks, opening daily at 12pm and running to 1am. The letter claims the site will showcase food stalls from start-up companies from across the country and they will also be providing live music, showcasing talent from Northern Ireland.
“I have been inundated with calls and emails from concerned constituents on the matter. Local businesses have been through very turbulent times since covid and Portrush and the surrounding area definitely have a peak time as everyone would know during the summer. The trade during the summer is vital. Without it there are many who will not make it through the winter.
“The doubleheader of Covid and the cost of living crisis has resulted in a downturn in trade and rising electric, fuel and base product bills. This means the bottom line for these owners has dramatically dropped and in some cases businesses are struggling to keep the doors open.
“On top of this, many street traders and businesses who rent their premises from the Council have noticed, what has been at times unrealistic rent price rises. I know of one business where rent is up well over three fold in the last year, and have heard from two other similar cases.
“Local residents, including many who are elderly, have massive concerns. We are talking about a highly developed residential area.
“Bachus group have stated that they will be working with the local council and acoustic consultants to ensure they are below the recommended decibel levels. However this is not easing the worries of the local residents, especially as the Council’s Environmental Health Department had no knowledge of the pop up market taking place until they were contacted on the 19th June – 5 days after the letter to residents came out.
“As well as noise pollution locals are worried about possible anti- social behaviour and increased litter levels.
“Another major worry for residents is the safety of those who wish to avail of the bar side of the event. The proposed site is situated beside the busy Metropole roundabout with the danger of people attending the event exiting onto what is already a busy road.
“It seems the organisers may have been granted an occasional liquor license from the court by mistake. An occasional license can only be granted as part of other sporting or cultural events as a means to support it, ie. a bar at a concert. One cannot apply to open a retail or outdoor food area. From those who know the liquor license system, I’m told to get one you apply to the court and it gets granted if there is no objections from Council or PSNI. It is not advertised etc. in the same way an entertainment license is. Normally an entertainment licence would be sought before an occasional liquor license but this would have been difficult because residents, public houses and restaurants would obviously object. I have been informed that the PSNI are now looking at this again.
“There may also be planning issues as the site is planning to stay for 10 weeks, this is longer than planning laws permit.
“I’m not against the idea of a pop up food and drink market within the borough, it simply needs more thought and consideration than this proposal has had.
“While the sentiment of the event may be to “showcase local talent” it shows a complete lack of respect for local food and drink establishments, who have worked hard over the past years to provide great food, drink and music for both local residents and visitors alike and I would encourage all to try and support as many businesses as possible over the next few months so we can try and maintain the healthy welcoming atmosphere we have in our town.”