There is nothing quite like sitting on the banks of the canals with a cold beer or glass of wine on an early autumn evening even though it seems winter has come a little earlier this year. Something about watching water calms the soul and the passing paddlers and occasional boat chugging by makes the view all the more interesting. Those with homes get to enjoy this regularly and even those with family or friends who live on the canals, get to experience the enjoyment occasionally.
But what of those who live in the village, Air Park, Santareme or Cape St Francis who don’t have family or friends to visit. Until recently they could only enjoy the experience by dining at Big Time Taverna or Caffe Bijoux. The opening of Quaysyde Restaurant on Sea Glades Drive changed all that and at last there is an eatery right on the water where patrons can dine , or simply take in the ambience of the canals, enjoying their sundowner close to the water. Only one problem with that though, Quaysyde is still fighting to get a liquor license. Some will argue this is a benefit as their drinks are cheaper this way but ‘schlepping’ a cooler box around with you really is not the way to go unless you are taking in the sunset at Sunset Rock.
So why doesn’t Quaysyde get a license? Well it seems there are a few selfish property owners on the canals are fighting tooth and nail, no expense spared, to prevent this happening. It is likely that these property owners don’t actually live on the canals but rather visit their homes for just a few weeks a year and then probably at the height of the summer season. If their objections are because they feel Quaysyde will create a noise hazard with noisy revellers partying until late into the night surely the noisy boats, often filled with youngsters playing loud music, screaming and singing and almost a daily occurrence over the season should also then be banned so these owners can have peace and solitude.
If noise is their major concern maybe they should rethink their objection. Quaysyde is a pretty upmarket facility and one would think a little out of the price range of those who habituate pubs to see how many shooters they can down in as short a time as possible. Then they should consider that a liquor license allows the facility to control distribution of liquor. If patrons start to get drunk and unruly they can be refused service and would soon leave the premises. Without a license diners can bring their own liquor and if they get unruly can be asked to leave but if they still have half a bottle of ‘Klippies’ or a carry pack of beers to consume, it would take a very brave waitron to force them to out without more than a little unpleasantness.
Quite honestly whatever the objections to granting a liquor license to Quaysyde, it simply doesn’t make sense. One can be pretty sure that the owners of Quaysyde want to retain it as an upmarket facility so that they can charge top dollar for a unique dining experience. A facility that is right on the water has been needed for a long time and really has many benefits. Visitors to St Francis dining at Quaysyde will experience how great these canals are and who knows, may make a decision to buy a house on the canals because of the experience. The facility will also create much needed employment for a few and those who don’t live on the canals will be able to enjoy what some take for granted.
So to those selfish few who believe they can deprive both locals and visitors of a great canal experience maybe they should go and rethink their objections. Rather than fight the granting of a liquor license they should funnel the money they spending in the courts into the “Saving St Francis” fund where their money can do some good
Great write up. Well done. Nevil told me about the problems. I agree with you fully. I am in McGregor right now. Meeting a long lost relative. Lovely little village.
Well said! Leave Quaysyde alone and let them have their liquor licence. This has been going on far too long. We have a house on the canals not far from Quaysyde and so enjoy stopping there for a cup of coffee (which is excellent coffee by the way) on our way home from our morning walk. And in all these months we have never once seen any unruly behaviour or excessive noise, day or night, just people having alot of fun. Perhaps a petition to see how many people are actually against this liquor licence?
I shudder at what these people are trying to do at great cost to stop a focal point and relaxed facility on our canals. As the article points out, whether it has a licence or not alcohol will be consumed on the premises. In fighting against the licence the objectors have only one aim – to get the business to fail!
Nevil is also trying to make this lovely venue a central hub for paddling and cycling as it is so ideal for that purpose. The canals can be quiet but do not let them be sterile.
Can we start a petition to support this application? Andrew Gay
Great idea Lynne and Andrew. Maybe St Francis Today can start an online petition. We will look at it next week. St Francis facilities are for all those who live and visit our incredible little enclave and not only for a few once in a while residents who have enough money to hold sway because they are able to fight it out in a court of law. Let the people speak not the courts.
Yes I’m all for it. No other way to sit at the water’s edge peaceful and have a meal and drink!
Well said Colin. Quaysyde has been a wonderful addition to the Canals and these objections to a license seem to be quite ridiculous. Initially I can understand people being concerned for noise and unruly behaviour, but having been open through season and Easter it is obvious that Quaysyde is not going to be “that kind of place.” It is a lovely relaxed, chilled family venue that has been popular with both locals and visitors alike. The Paddling Club have adopted it as their new clubhouse, many people go there to rent boats, SUPS and enjoy canal tours from a far more attractive base than the scruffy small boat harbour. For those of us who live here full time and do not object to a license it is frustrating that those who are only here part-time are dictating what happens. Why not grant the license, monitor it and if it is abused then review the situation. We are not looking for a venue to go and have wild parties, but somewhere to go for a chilled glass of wine as we sit by the water and watch the world go past.
Well said Colin…..It would be an absolute pleasure to sit with a chilled wine on the water, relaxing in the evening watching the sunset. Only last night I told my brother in the UK how I miss the English pubs, I explained to him that we lack nice decent places where one can sit with a drink even if they aren’t eating. Give in mean residents ! let Neville have his licence !!
We live very close to Quaysyde, and not once while they have been open, have we heard any raucous goings on. There are more noisy houses on the canals with screaming children, and partying adults/youngsters which should/need to be curbed, especially over the holidays and long weekends, and no-one complains about them. As permanent residents on the canals we gladly agree to them having a liquor licence. What’s the difference between Big Time & Quaysyde???
Wow, sounds like a winner, just the kind of experience I would like to bring my foreign guests to and enjoy the ambience of a South African evening at the waters edge. As a tour operator we are always looking for additional, quality experiences. Sounds like I’ve just found one. Please allow Quayside a license it can only be of benefit to the whole community.