Scarborough, August 7, 2024—Councillors will soon decide if Scarborough’s Alpamare water park can begin serving alcohol from 8 am…. following an application to extend the hours for alcohol sales.
The proposal, which seeks permission to serve alcohol from 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week, will be reviewed by the authority’s statutory licensing subcommittee next week. This move has sparked objections from members of the public, who suggest that the proposed time limits for serving alcohol should be more restrictive.
Alpamare recently reopened after North Yorkshire Council awarded Flamingo Land a contract to manage the £14 million facility. It boasts several indoor and outdoor pools, slides, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and other amenities. The water park had been closed since its previous owners went into administration.
Although Flamingo Land operates the water park, North Yorkshire Council submitted the licensing application in June. The sub-committee will meet on Tuesday, August 13, to discuss the application.
Several residents have voiced their concerns, labelling the plan as “irresponsible” and raising alarms about potential antisocial behaviour and public safety issues.
According to a council report, alcohol consumption would be restricted to the areas outlined in the plans, explicitly excluding the children’s area, wave pool, flumes, and changing rooms. Furthermore, only ticket holders could purchase alcohol, drinks would not be served in glassware, and the premises would enforce a Challenge 25 policy to prevent underage drinking.
Local resident Esther Morrison expressed her objections, stating, “With the best will in the world, even if Flamingo Land can achieve and maintain the staffing levels needed for public safety, those staff are unlikely to be old enough or experienced enough to handle customers under the influence of alcohol.” She added, “It is insane and irresponsible to contemplate allowing alcohol to be served at Alpamare. But if it is served, it should not be before noon; there should be a unit consumption limit, and it should only be served and consumed in a dedicated area.”
The council report highlights that “specific supervision of areas where alcohol may be consumed” would be provided, and all staff involved in selling alcohol would receive proper training.
Another local resident, David Knowles, who plans to use the facility for “fun and fitness” with his grandchildren, also opposed the plan. He stated, “I think in the interests of public safety, these timings are excessive. It is a family facility, […] do you really want drunk mums and dads in a swimming complex?”
The council took control of the site last year after the collapse of Benchmark Leisure Ltd, which struggled with rising energy costs. Alpamare originally opened in North Bay in 2016, following a £9 million loan from what was then Scarborough Council.
The councillors’ upcoming decision will determine whether the proposed changes will be implemented amid the ongoing debate about balancing public enjoyment and safety at one of Scarborough’s key attractions.
The Alpamare Aquatic Adventure Park has submitted a request to sell alcoholic beverages starting from 8am.
