Plans for late-night alcohol sales at Derbyshire amusement park hotel "outrageous"

Plans for late-night alcohol sales and entertainment at a family amusement park hotel in Derbyshire have been met with a raft of furious complaints.
Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock BathGulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath
Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath

Nearly 20 residents who live close to the Matlock Bath attraction Gulliver’s Kingdom have objected to its plans relating to its Explorers Retreat hotel.

A licensing hearing will be held by Derbyshire Dales District Council on Monday to decide the application.

Read More
These are the faces of the 10 people jailed for serious crimes in Derbyshire in ...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gulliver’s Kingdom hopes to allow alcohol to be sold at the hotel from 11am to midnight every day of the week.

It also wants permission to play recorded and live music from 11am to midnight every day of the week.

It would like residents at the hotel to be able to play films in their rooms all day every day.

The park also wants to serve late night refreshments to hotel guests from 11pm to 5am every day of the week, with the venue closed to the public from 12.30am.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, residents have penned objecting letters claiming that the plans are “truly inappropriate,” “outrageous,” “completely unacceptable” and “abhorrent”.

They fear the plans could lead to consistent noise, nuisance and disruption, the “incessant consumption of copious amounts of alcohol” and “altercations fuelled by alcohol and drugs”.

Residents say the attraction has largely carried out its day-to-day business unrestricted by planning regulations in what is a conservation area.

They say they have tolerated its current disruption but cannot stand for plans for late-night drinking and entertainment – and the potential noise and disturbance it could bring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Objectors say that the introduction of the hotel in 2017 has already caused disruption due to people arriving back to the venue late at night – often after drinking.

They also feel the attraction would no longer be a family amusement park if the sale of late-night alcohol is approved.

All staff will be trained to access the CCTV footage and the venue’s licence holder will notify the police within 48 hours if it is inoperative.

Residents in the vicinity of the venue would be provided with a direct phone number for the manager to report any issues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gulliver’s Kingdom says on its website regarding the Explorers Retreat’s terms and conditions that: “Gulliver’s insists upon reasonable standards of behaviour from all our guests.

“Excessively noisy or disruptive behaviour, or behaviour which has a negative effect on the amenity of other guests, is unacceptable.

“We will not tolerate offensive or illegal behaviour, or aggression towards Gulliver’s staff or guests.

“In such circumstances, we may involve the police, and/or require you and/or any member of your party to leave the site immediately.

“No refunds or compensation will be given in these circumstances and we reserve the right to refuse any future bookings from you or any member of your party.”