SOBO Beach gets 11-month extension after council U-turn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 16:03 · Archive

SOBO Beach on Southbourne Promenade has been granted an 11-month operating extension after councillors approved an amendment following a 10,000-signature petition.

SOBO Beach has won a reprieve after Bournemouth Council approved an amendment to extend its operating licence by 11 months. The decision came at a full council meeting on 13 October following the presentation of a petition signed by more than 10,000 residents and viewed by over 4,200 people online. The petition called for the council to pause its decision on leasing the seafront site, commission an independent procurement review, and undertake proper community consultation.

The controversy arose after the council announced plans to award a new 20-year lease for the site. A tender process attracted five expressions of interest, with three shortlisted as potential operators. SOBO Beach was not chosen as the preferred bidder, sparking concerns that the site could stand empty for months during the transition. Councillor Richard Herrett said: 'It's clear there is a huge amount of love for the Sobo Beach operation.' The preferred bidder has stated willingness to discuss short-term agreements with SOBO Beach to allow continued operation during the transition period.

The extension allows SOBO Beach to continue hosting events and serving the community groups and charities that use the venue for another winter and summer season. Councillor George Farquar noted that over 800 comments on the petition were positive, with SOBO owner Rich Slater confirming that of the communications received, only 11 were negative, mostly concerning food prices.

How it is being reported

• Sobo Beach wins 11-month reprieveSobo Beach, Southbourne’s bar and community hub gets a license extension of almost a year. The post Sobo Beach wins 11-month reprieve appeared first on Dorset View .Dorset View · 14 Oct, 15:33
• SOBO Beach saved from closure as councillors back eleventh-hour dealSOBO Beach has secured an 11-month stay to continue trading on Southbourne Promenade after councillors approved an eleventh-hour amendment.Bournemouth Echo · 14 Oct, 13:05

In this story: SOBO Beach · Bournemouth Council · Southbourne Promenade · Dan Astin-Gregory · Rich Slater · George Farquar · Richard Herrett

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