ROCKWATER has responded to a backlash over the introduction of a £750 membership card.

The owner of the Hove seafront venue, Luke Davis, says the card “simply offers priority access to specific events” and is to ensure locals are prioritised over “out of towners”.

Mr Davis said: “We have been disappointed by some of the responses to Rockwater Residence, particularly the level of trolling and personal abuse some of our team received over the last few days, which can never be justified.

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“We recognise there has been considerable misunderstanding about what the Residence is and how it affects everyone more generally and we would like to help clarify that for our community. 

“Firstly, Rockwater will never be an exclusive members’ club. The Residence operates as an optional extra, for those locals who wish to purchase it, and will not affect anyone’s ability to book a table, a private party or enjoy any of the areas Rockwater has to offer.

The Argus:

“Guests will still have full access to Rockwater Life classes, Rockwater Clubs and community-wide events that the team have been working on and everyone can still enjoy a pint on the beach with us for under a fiver.”

Mr Davis says that no area of the building will be off-limits for people without the card. He insisted cardholders will not be given priority to the roof terrace or the main building.

He added: “The key benefit of the Residence is to provide access to concerts and gigs with international recording artists, world class comedians and other specific events on a priority basis.

“We cannot put these high-profile experiences together without an events budget, which comes from the implementation of a fee.

“These events would attract national and international interest and we have spent considerable time working out the best way to prioritise locals and the Residence model was where we landed. 

“The Residence also offers members’ discounts to brand partners, a social platform on which Residence members can connect and interact as well as some other fun features.

“Rockwater remains open and accessible to everyone and the foundations of Rockwater remain the same as they were on day one... to keep Brighton and Hove at the heart of what we do.”