Filey’s renowned Blue Dolphin Holiday Park, managed by Haven Leisure Ltd, is seeking to enhance visitor experiences by applying for an extensive premises license from North Yorkshire Council.
If granted, the license would encompass not only alcohol sales but also a variety of entertainment options throughout the park, nestled in the scenic Gristhorpe Bay. This move is expected to impact private campground owners and operators in the surrounding area as they may need to adapt to the evolving leisure landscape.
The council has initiated a public consultation on the proposed plan, allowing residents and interested parties to express their views on the matter until May 23.
The application details the requested operating hours and permissions for multiple venues within the holiday park, covering activities such as alcohol sales, film screenings, boxing matches, and live and recorded music performances.
Key venues within Blue Dolphin Holiday Park, including Brigghouse, Starlight Showbar, and Galaxy Bar, are pursuing permission to screen plays, films, and live music, as well as host dance performances and supply alcohol for both on-site and off-site consumption.
The application proposes operating hours from 10 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 1:30 am on Sunday.
Additionally, the park has requested the authority to showcase boxing and wrestling events from 2 pm to 10 pm, Monday to Sunday, at Brigghouse. Late-night refreshment sales would be permitted from 11 pm to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and 11 pm to 1:30 am on Sunday.
The application also includes provisions for the holiday park’s supermarket, seeking permission to sell alcohol for off-site consumption between 8 am and 11 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 8 am to 10:30 pm on Sunday. These extended hours aim to provide added convenience for park guests.
Other areas cited in the application are the “Owners Exclusive Lounge and Dolphin Retreat,” where film screenings and alcohol sales would be allowed from 10 am to 1 am, Monday to Sunday.
Furthermore, the Roller Disco seeks permission to play recorded music and host indoor dance performances and sporting events between 9 am and 10 pm, Monday to Sunday.
The proposed 24/7 opening hours for the entire park, along with alcohol sales in external areas from 10 am to 11 pm, Monday to Sunday, indicate a significant expansion of the park’s operations.
This development could potentially attract more visitors, increasing competition for private campground owners and operators in the vicinity.
Public representations regarding the application can be sent to North Yorkshire Licensing Services at Scarborough Town Hall or emailed to [email protected] no later than May 23, 2023.
As the council considers the merits of this application, the future of outdoor recreation in the area remains uncertain, with private campground operators keeping a close watch on the outcome.