Cocktail barred?

Wednesday 5th November 2008, 2:57PM GMT.

A BAR owner claims that the Waterfront Enterprise Board do not want him operating his mobile bar at the Weighbridge in case it upsets nearby hoteliers.

JP Anquetil, from Rojos, said that the Weighbridge is the most obvious place to pitch his 16-ft mobile cocktail bar following the success of the Speigeltent at the Branchage International Film Festival in September.

But Mr Anquetil claimed that WEB had made him feel unwelcome at the event and, while he had operated a bar in the Spiegeltent, WEB had stopped him from selling alcohol from the mobile cocktail bar for fear of upsetting hotels, including the Royal Yacht.

A WEB spokesman said that they had previously refused an application from Rojos to situate their mobile unit at the Weighbridge as they did not feel it was appropriate to have a cocktail bar there. The spokesman added that claims they tried to keep the surrounding hotels happy were not true and that Rojos could bring the mobile bar down for those events that were suitable and practical, such as the Branchage Film Festival.

Owners JP Anquetil and Brian Smith with their mobile cocktail bar, Rojo Al Fresco

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1
mistershifter

November 5, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Err, simple init! A mobile drinks cabinet? That sounds like a good idea and far too much fun! Better ban it then, just like the Rickshaws and a dozen other entertaining ideas! Nice one WEB, bang on with States policy. Or was it that nice Mr Taylor pontificating from the poop deck of his nearby boat? Just breathe another sigh and a little shake of the head.

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2
Concerned

November 5, 2008 at 4:36 pm

Obviously Mistershifter didn’t sit and use his grey matter before hitting the keyboard.

Whilst I like many others enjoy a drink a mobile bar in town is NOT a good idea, surely there are enough pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants to chose from without having to purchase drink on the street, the Weighbridge are has been nicely landscaped and something like this would make it a no go area for certain members of our society. Goodness knows how they would control under age drinking either, it’s bad enough with today’s under age youth obtaining drink any which way they can now. The ban on this bar should remain.

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3
James Knight

November 5, 2008 at 5:05 pm

I think if I had invested in a ‘bricks and mortar’ bar or pub, I would also be annoyed at someone setting up a mobile bar outside.

I would guess the mobile bar can undercut the established ones, because they do not pay business rates.

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4
Mr P

November 5, 2008 at 10:01 pm

I think the island’s drining population are far more in need of such things as well priced taxis, a night bus system and somewhere to get some food after they leave pubs and clubs than they are an ice cream van of cocktails.

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5
Samantha

November 6, 2008 at 1:46 pm

I too think a mobile drinks bar at the weighbridge site is not appropriate. With all the huge investment that’s taken place there why spoil it with a mobile bar? next there will be an ice cream van and burger van!! I’m sure it’s great for private parties and functions and anyhow, they’ve got their ROJO cocktail bar just round the corner from the weighbridge anyway!!?? Stop being greedy!!!

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6
Mark’s perspective

November 10, 2008 at 8:40 am

Simple realy. Mr JP Anquetil should be allowed his free range bar provide it has all the appropriate amenities; loos, washrooms etcetera.

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