Beach 162 live music venue Frankston pleads for capacity increase to stay in business
A POPULAR Frankston restaurant and live music venue says they may be forced out of business because the council refuses to increase the number of patrons allowed.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A POPULAR Frankston restaurant and live music venue says they may be forced out of business because the council refuses to increase their patron numbers.
Beach 162 owner Miriam Jamil fears her business will go to the wall if the current permit allowing a maximum of 74 patrons is not increased to 120.
“We are knocking back engagements and wedding. We just want to survive,” she said.
NEW CENSUS FINDS MELBOURNE IS THE LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
FRANKSTON THEN AND NOW: PHOTOS SHOW SUBURB’S EVOLUTION
Ms Jamil said the large restaurant — based at a former nursery site — already had enough seating, but was constantly knocking back patrons due to the permit condition.
“The space is big and the demand is high. We don’t want our story to become the story of a beautiful place that’s no longer there.”
Ms Jamil, who runs the business with daughter Jamila Dib, said council officers had flagged they would support an increase to 100 patrons.
“I can’t survive with 100. It’s not feasible with our (operating costs.) We are knocking back business. I don’t know where the logic is.”
Bill Dettmer, former artistic director of the Frankston International Guitar Festival, said Beach 162 provided an important venue for performers.
“This fantastic space provides ... a haven for musicians and a place for locals. We need the council to look favourably on an increase of numbers or face the prospect of closure, the loss of jobs and worse, the loss of opportunity.”
Supporters recently unfurled a large banner with the slogan “We need council support to stay in business” outside Beach 162.
Council officials declined to comment until councillors voted on Ms Jamil’s application on August 13.
MORE NEWS
BEST BURGER JOINTS IN MELBOURNE’S SOUTHEAST