Hove's Rockwater submits alcohol licence extension request

Rockwater, in Western Esplanade, Hove, wants to extend its alcohol licence further still.

It can already serve alcohol from 11am until 3am on Saturday and Sunday, but now wants to pour out the pints from 10am on the weekend.

Owners have also asked to open from 7am each day of the week instead of 11am currently.

It means Rockwater could theoretically open for 20 hours a day.

The Argus (Image: The Argus)

There are, however, conditions to the licence extension, meaning anyone wishing to drink alcohol from 10am would need to be seated and eating a “substantial” meal.

People have been reacting to the alcohol licence extension bid online, with split reviews, though most are supporting it.

“I don’t think it’s anybody’s business to reject,” one person said.

“It’s not residential so let people have some freedom to run a business. This is not a village. This is meant to be a city.”

The application was submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council on August 11, with an outcome due on October 5.

The Argus attempted to contact Rockwater owner Luke Davis, but received no response.

Owner Luke Davis

Mr Davis previously told The Argus that his venue would “not be a nightclub”, despite the 3am licence.

“It has been agreed that from the week, Sunday to Thursday, it will be 12am and on Fridays and Saturday, 1am,” he said ahead of its opening in 2020.

“I have also agreed that the 3am licence will only be used up to 20 times a year for pre-planned events, such as weddings or New Year’s Eve.”

Rockwater, which describes itself as a “loungey beachfront destination with a terrace and a trendy vibe offering meals, drinks and light bites”, is open to the public but also offers an exclusive membership costing £750 per year.

Mr Davis previously said the membership card “simply offers priority access to specific events” and is to ensure locals are prioritised over “out of towners”.