THE BOSS of a watersports company has explained why he has asked to be allowed to sell alcohol at his activity centre.
Carl Slater, head of Freetime Leisure, has asked Bracknell Forest Council for permission to sell alcohol from 12pm to 11pm seven days a week at Horseshoe Lake in Sandhurst.
This plea came alongside a request to play recorded music until 11pm at the site, which offers activities including dinghy sailing, windsurfing, dragon boating, canoeing and raft building.
READ MORE: Horseshoe Lake activity centre asking for alcohol licence.
Speaking to the News about the proposal, Carl said: “We just put in a really nice cafe and we wanted to offer wine to visitors.
Horseshoe Lake off Mill Lane in Sandhurst, Berkshire.
“We’re not a pub and we’re not open at ten at night.
“We’re just doing this for when the cafe is open.
“It’s just something nice and sophisticated for residents. We’re not having 18 and 19 year-olds as our clientele, it’s just about offering something nice to have with the food.”
Carl told the News his business, like many others in the borough, had struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic and the alcohol licence has been requested as a means to attract more visitors to the activity centre.
READ MORE: Horseshoe Lake axed plans cost Bracknell Forest Council £90,000
He added that no visitors will be allowed to consume alcohol before taking part in any of the watersports, however.
Horseshoe Lake plans move ahead
Carl continued: “We’re looking to attract people to come down, do a nice paddle-board session, maybe have a charcuterie plate and a glass of sauvignon blanc. That’s what we’re doing.
“I’m not trying to turn it into a bar or disco event, that’s not what we’re about.
“A lot of our customers are saying I would like to come on an early Saturday evening and have a nice glass of wine with some olives.
“There’s some beautiful scenery around here. It’s stunning.”
READ MORE: Horseshoe Lake country park plans scaled back
Horseshoe Lake plans move ahead
Horseshoe Lake activity centre, on Mill Lane, is set to re-open on March 29, according to its website.
Freetime Leisure’s licence request is being currently being consulted on with the local community.
Residents wishing to comment on these plans must do so by March 30 by getting in touch with Bracknell Forest Council’s licensing team by visiting the Public Protection Partnership’s licensing page.
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