The entrepreneur behind a controversial beach bar has defended his project as "a tiny footprint in the sand".

Belcario Thomas has issued a statement aimed at reassuring protesters against the bar at Warwick Long Bay.

Mr. Thomas, whose application for the SandBar was approved by Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney last month on appeal, sought to address concerns the bar could become a 'year-round' feature and that it would present an "eyesore".

His comments came as a Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) petition against the SandBar topped 3,500 signatures. The online and paper petition to Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown was launched last week.

Said Mr. Thomas: "The SandBar concept is the epitome of sustainability and responsibility featuring a key fact – that it is a portable, non-permanent, wooden deck on less then 0.5 percent (of) Warwick Long Bay.

"At the end of the season, or if a hurricane were to threaten, the temporary wooden deck is easily removed and packed away."

Mr. Thomas said: "The concept sits on a small clearing of sand, not on the beach proper, but off the side of the parking lot, avoiding any impact on the vegetation or dunes nearby."

Rather than destroying native vegetation, he said developers would seek to improve its abundance.

"Actually, the proposal further adds endemic flora and fauna landscaping to the area, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but helps reduce naturally occurring sand erosion of neglected areas," said Mr. Thomas.

He described the 60-seat restaurant and cocktail bar as: "A tiny footprint in the sand."

The Unite events promoter went on to say that not only will the SandBar be "very low-key", but that the developers want to enhance the beauty of the environment with "interpretative signage and occasional tours".

"The concept recognises the natural beauty and tranquil spirit of Warwick Long Bay, which is why it is a purposely very low-key and laid-back offering of simple refreshments looking to enhance this experience," said Mr. Thomas.

"Its placement and unobtrusiveness allows visitors to the beach to fully enjoy their quiet and solitude, if refreshments are not desired. Furthering a sense of appreciation of the area for the public, an educational component which touches on eco-tourism will be present. Encouraging hikes, exploration and knowledge of the scenic, historic South Shore, low-key interpretative signage and occasional tours will be offered."

He added: "Pursuant to ongoing negotiations of our lease, strict operational guidelines will be adhered to concerning low noise, responsible trash collection, responsible refreshment offerings and upgrades to the existing washrooms etc., ensuring this coastal area remains protected and cared for."

Responded BEST chairman Stuart Hayward: "The fact is that the beach would be better off without any commercial footprint. The footprint of the facility itself ignore the footprint of delivery trucks, the mobile kitchen, the expanded bathroom facilities and the additional parking which will be necessary.

"I think Mr. Thomas has been disingenuous."

He added: "Signage and tours may be a good idea but can happen quite well without a beach bar. These are attempts to justify a need for this bar."

He said conservationist Dr. David Wingate has claimed the site of the bar will encroach on "some of the best examples of endemic flora" on the Island.

The BEST petition can be found at: www.best.org.bm.