A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

SHERIFF’S BILTONG, the award-winning Welsh snack brand co-founded by former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Ken Owens and West Wales food producer Ruth Davies, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Wales Food and Drink Awards 2026, in the category of Farm to Fork Producer of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual.

The nomination recognises Sheriff’s Biltong’s unwavering commitment to sourcing, producing and celebrating the very best of Welsh food. Made exclusively with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Welsh beef, the highest standard of provenance for Welsh red meat, and crafted using only minimal natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives. Every bag provides 16 grams of protein and tells a story that begins on Welsh farms and ends on the shelves of some of Wales’ most iconic locations and biggest retailers, from Cardiff Airport and the Snowdon Summit Café to over 50 Tesco Superstores and Extra stores across the nation.

The brand’s journey began when long-time friends Ken Owens and Ruth Davies struck up a conversation over the garden wall. Ruth, who has more than 15 years of experience in the food industry and learnt traditional curing techniques in Italy, was looking to diversify the charcuterie business she ran with her husband Andrew. Ken, already a loyal customer, became involved in developing the product from the ground up, not just lending his name, but helping shape the product itself.

Since launching, Sheriff’s Biltong has gone from strength to strength, securing a major Tesco listing, attending the Gulfood sourcing event in Dubai, and now earning recognition at one of Wales’ most respected food and drink industry events.

Ruth Davies, co-founder of Sheriff’s Biltong, said: “We started Sheriff’s Biltong because we believed Wales had something truly special to offer, world-class beef and a genuine pride in our food heritage. To be recognised by the Wales Food and Drink Awards in the Farm to Fork category means everything to us.”

Ken Owens, co-founder, said: “I’ve always been proud to be Welsh and proud of what Welsh farming stands for. Sheriff’s Biltong was built on those values, honest ingredients and nothing unnecessary. Being shortlisted for this award is a huge honour and shows that when you back Welsh produce wholeheartedly, people notice.”

The Farm to Fork category, sponsored by NFU Mutual, specifically celebrates producers who demonstrate a transparent and traceable journey from field to finished product, values that sit at the very heart of the Sheriff’s Biltong story.

The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards will be announced at a black-tie ceremony hosted at the Swansea Building Society Arena, Swansea, on 16th April 2026.

INDEPENDENT shop owners in Pembrokeshire have warned that rising costs and increasing pressures could threaten the future of small high-street businesses, during a meeting with local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz.

Senior members of the Federation of Independent Retailers met the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MS on Friday (Feb 20) at a Tenby store run by Vince and Fiona Malone.

The couple, who expanded their retail and Post Office business from three staff in 2014 to fourteen employees today, said they were now facing significant financial pressures. These include rising business rates expected to take effect in April, higher employer National Insurance contributions, and above-inflation increases to the National Living Wage.

The meeting also covered the Federation’s manifesto for the upcoming Senedd elections in May, which calls for action to tackle retail crime, reduce cost burdens on small businesses, and ensure the proposed Deposit Return Scheme for recycling is cost-neutral and aligned with the rest of the UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS, who has represented the area since 2021, is standing in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency at the election, which will see the Senedd expand from 60 to 96 members under a new proportional representation system.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Kurtz said he valued the opportunity to hear directly from retailers about the challenges they face, adding that their experience would help inform political discussions ahead of the election.

Vince Malone said the Federation had written to all candidates standing in the new constituency and looked forward to meeting representatives from other political parties in the coming weeks.