The Bunker pub in Saundersfoot has applied for a beer garden licence, but some have raised objections citing concerns about noise and antisocial behaviourRobert Harries Senior Reporter, Bruce Sinclair and Local Democracy Reporter
14:37, 20 Apr 2026Updated 14:37, 20 Apr 2026
A seaside pub in Saundersfoot wants to open a beer garden, but nearby residents are not happy(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A proposal for a beer garden behind a Pembrokeshire seaside village bar has sparked concerns it could result in binge and underage drinking, altercations, and intoxicated customers urinating near neighbouring properties.
Pembrokeshire Council’s licensing sub-committee will examine an application at its forthcoming meeting for a variation of the premises licence at The Bunker, Cambrian Terrace, Saundersfoot, submitted by Rebecca Evans, which would add a beer garden space at the rear of the establishment.
A report prepared for committee members states the beer garden would accommodate 50 people, operating between 2pm and 9pm, with CCTV surveillance and staff supervision. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
It continues: “During the consultation process the authority received correspondence disputing a right of way in respect of a fire exit marked on the original plan submitted at the rear of the beer garden. The applicant subsequently amended the plan to remove this exit.”
The report further notes that objectors expressed additional concerns, including: “The proposed external drinking area would create unacceptable noise and disturbance to the immediately adjoining residential and consented properties. With happy hours all-day-everyday and prices from £3.80 this is encouraging binge drinking”.
The rear area of The Bunker in Saundersfoot(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Additional concerns include: “Visitors come to Saundersfoot to embrace the village coastal image it lends itself to. 50 customers is such a small space will definitely impair our [holiday letting] businesses,” and “I believe that if this goes ahead people will be loitering around the back of our premises in a drunk state, relieving themselves as they will not have access to toilets.
“They will be outside by our vehicles in the car park until all hours, if drunk they could damage our vehicles, fights could occur. The doors to the entrances to the flats are left open for holiday makers with young children, the guests to The Bunker may try to access the flats.”
A further concern raised was: “If the beer garden goes ahead children may have access to alcohol when individuals over the age of 18 purchase alcohol and give it to those underage in the garden.
“Those underage will be able to access the garden from the back gate. They may even be given the alcohol bought on the premises, off the premises, at the back gate area. This cannot be monitored by The Bunkers.”
The report also states there is currently no planning consent for a beer garden on the site, though it emphasises that planning and licensing are distinct regimes, noting the licensing authority’s decision “would not exempt an applicant from the need to apply for planning permission, where appropriate”.
Members will determine whether to approve the licence amendment at the meeting on April 23.
Comments are closed.