Plans for a high-end beach front restaurant and bar have moved a step closer after restrictions on selling booze were lifted.

Paul Glicksman, who owns St Mildred's Bay café in Westgate, formerly Pav's, wants to transform the building into a sophisticated social spot similar to his other premises Paul's Bistro in the town.

But his plan was at risk of being scuppered due to a condition on the licence meaning he could only serve alcohol to people having food at a table, instead of people just wanting a drink or a takeaway beverage.

His application to Thanet District Council to change this was met with fierce opposition by residents who fear the café will simply become a pub and attract noise and trouble.

But Mr Glicksman, who is investing £200,000 into the new premises, including creating a new glass front with views out to sea, insists it will be a civilised restaurant and bar, like his other premises.

"I have run Paul's Bistro for the last 18 months very successfully," he said at a licensing meeting, held online.

"I've had no issues, I run a tight ship, I don't allow any trouble and I would do the same at St Mildred's Bay.

"We don't get the young kids who want cheap drink - that's not what we do or where we're coming from.

"We don't want a nightclub or a bar with lots of unruly people.

"We want a lovely premises that will serve Westgate and be a credit to the town."

Barrister Sarah Clover, representing him at the hearing, said Mr Glicksman took it on as an investment late last year before the pandemic hit.

She said varying the licence would not only allow him to trade long term, but help him survive in the short term by allowing him to serve takeaway drinks, like other hospitality outlets are doing while restrictions are in place.

She added: "The change in this condition is very important because of Mr Glicksman's vision and aspiration.

"The purpose of investing in the first place was to transform them and restore premises in a prime location that could do so much for tourism and the local economy.

"A planning application was submitted for a glass frontage, a very beautiful balustrade and transform it into somewhere attractive and appealing for someone to sit and look across the bay."

But many residents objected warning that if the condition was removed it would have a detrimental impact on their quality of life and it would become a late-night drinking spot.

Alison Yuill, whose home is 10 metres away, said the removal of the condition would have a negative impact on the area.

"While I know Mr Glicksman says he's invested heavily in this new venture, equally we have all invested in buying our apartments and there is now potential for the loss of value when a bar could be opened 20ft away.

"Simply put, would you buy an apartment now that was prime position with a sea view in a quiet area when suddenly you're going to have a pub in front of you?"

Katy Lane, environmental protection officer, added that she had grave concerns about noise.

She warned the long opening hours could also mean drinking going on into the early hours.

"Objections are not only to protect the residents in the area but to the applicant who could be open to complaints once open," she added.

But the committee agreed to the removal of the condition with the added restriction that takeaway drinks, in plastic cups, stop being sold at 10pm every night.

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