St. David?s residents who signed a petition against the sale of alcohol at a Clearwater Beach restaurant have lost their battle after the owner was granted a liquor licence yesterday.

St. David?s MP Suzann Roberts- Holshouser told yesterday that the licence had serious ramifications for people who use the beach, particularly families concerned about the safety of children.

She said the permission to sell alcohol also raised an issue for Police as they would have to step up patrols in the beach area to ensure people using the nature reserve and playground area were safe.

Over the last weeks Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser has been circulating a protest petition which more than 100 parish residents have signed. In it,she highlighted the Base Lands Development Act of 1996 which outlined the purpose of the company ? to promote the integration of the land into the economic and social functions of the area.

?I do not believe as do the constituency that the only way for Gombeys to be successful is to sell alcohol,? said Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser.

Last month Gombey restaurant owner Marlon Laws announced plans to sell alcohol on the premises to cater for what he believed was an unmet need for beachside entertainment.

Bermuda Land Development Company awarded Mr. Laws a five year contract for the site at the edge of the former American military base with the option to renew for five more years. In a letter she sent to Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith objecting to the licence Mrs. Roberts-Holshouser said noise pollution and trash were also concerns among residents.

She said she had already been receiving phone calls from residents bothered by the noise.

?The Magistrate quite honestly brought to my attention that alcohol was served throughout Bermuda, we saw people who misused alcohol constantly at almost everyone function, why would Gombeys not be allowed to serve alcohol, how could I justify that.?

She said she responded by saying this was the only opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive.

?It would be a pity if we did not take on the responsibility of ensuring the safety of our children rather than waiting until it?s too late.

?It?s not the serving of alcohol that is the problem, it?s the misuse of alcohol. We have issues where in the town square of St. George?s there have been individuals who are intoxicated, walking the streets. It takes 20 minutes for the Police to come to anyone?s assistance. What luck will we have if someone becomes intoxicated at Clearwater Beach in getting the Police to come in a timely manner.?

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves told yesterday that he granted the licence because he felt Mr. Laws? business plans fit in with the economic and social development of the area proposed by the Baselands Act. Mr. Greaves said the business owner has the right as any other business owner who owns a beach side restaurant to make a living. He pointed out that the sale of alcohol was an integral component in such a business.

?What makes this licence more detrimental at Clearwater Beach than at Elbow or Sonesta or at any other Island location where alcohol is served and children are present?? he said.

Last month Mr. Laws, a 32-year veteran in the hotel industry, said the Island was crying out for a beachside venue with games and live entertainment as well as water sports, food and drink. Mr. Laws is seeking final planning to build a large oval bar on the site of the skating rink.

The whole site, which includes large grassy areas next to the beach, will be able to seat 400 people and Mr. Laws said he already had bookings for large parties.

He stressed he was looking for a mature crowd and aimed to put on a live show for cruise ship passengers and promote the venue at local hotels.