POPULAR beach huts will continue to sell alcohol once lockdown restrictions are eased.

The Shacks by the Shore at Rockwater on Hove seafront were closed amid Tier 4 measures after selling alcohol to beachgoers since summer under a temporary licence.

However, a permanent licence has now been granted, with conditions, despite concerns from some neighbours.

Rockwater boss Luke Davis said he was “really happy” with the decision as the community “can continue enjoy the Shacks by the Shore”.

The license was granted amid 16 objections from residents and support from ward councillor, Carmen Appich.

The residents were concerned about “the obstruction and littering of the promenade while the huts are in operation”... especially during Covid restrictions.

They also cited the potential for increased noise and disturbance to the residents of Walsingham Road upon dispersal from the huts after 10pm.

To ease concerns, Mr Davis confirmed to the licensing panel that the huts will not operate during Covid restrictions and a door supervisor will be employed from at least 10pm to 7am to help disperse crowds. The panel concluded: “We consider that with all the measures and conditions in place for the licence as a whole the grant of this limited variation is not likely to lead to an increase in public nuisance.”

“We would encourage the applicants [Rockwater] to keep an open and constructive dialogue with residents in the area to ensure that any issues that may arise can be swiftly addressed.”

The beach huts are one part of the multi-million-pound transformation of former pub The Venue and opened in June, last year.