In a surprising turn of events, a beloved cafe had to close its doors, leaving eight loyal employees without jobs, all because of a few neighbors’ complaints. Emma Ayles, a 47-year-old mother of two and owner of The Caddy Shack Cafe, expressed her heartbreak over losing her business just before Christmas due to an unexpected closure.
The controversy arose when some neighbors objected to the aroma of bacon and the sound of teacups clinking, leading local officials to take immediate action. The cafe, which Emma had opened in April 2022 by converting a metal shipping container into a cozy spot, was a popular gathering place for the community. It was located in collaboration with the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset.
The cafe quickly became a favorite among locals, attracting everyone from walkers to schoolchildren and even disabled individuals on mobility scooters. It fostered a sense of community and created a welcoming environment for all. However, the peace was shattered when three homeowners living near the cafe raised concerns about “noise and odor” emanating from the establishment in October 2022.
These complaints prompted the Dorset Council to deny Emma’s application for retrospective planning permission in February, and her subsequent appeal was also dismissed, leaving her with no recourse. Emma voiced her frustrations, saying, “It’s been a constant battle, so stressful, not knowing if the business would be open every week. Then, on Saturday, I was ordered to close the next day. It’s just before Christmas, and I’ve had to let go of eight staff members who have children or are students. It’s been heartbreaking for all of us. Nobody understands why we were shut down. Everyone is shocked.”
The objections raised were specifically about the “smell of bacon” and the sounds of “teaspoons and teacups.” Emma found these complaints absurd and jokingly asked, “Do they expect us to use chocolate teacups to eliminate any noise?” She also criticized the council’s decision, expressing concern for the community members who frequented her cafe, such as students from the Wyvern School and disabled individuals who found it accessible for their mobility scooters. She highlighted the impact on her loyal customers, saying, “I feel terrible for the community because groups used to meet at the cafe every day.”
The Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, responsible for the cafe’s collaboration, filed an appeal against the planning decision, expressing disappointment with the impact on both players and the local community. Anthony Goss, the club’s chairman, acknowledged the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate and expressed gratitude to the cafe’s loyal customers for their support.
The closure of the cafe has triggered an outpouring of anger and disbelief on social media, with many individuals expressing their astonishment at the complaints and subsequent action taken. One social media user, Kati Eastwood, sarcastically commented on the complaints about teacup noise and bacon smell, while another user, Jon Fells, mourned the loss of the cafe and praised its wonderful atmosphere.
This contentious episode raises important questions about striking a balance between supporting local businesses and addressing the concerns of residents. It remains unclear whether any further measures will be taken to address the situation, or if there is a possibility of reconsidering the decision to permanently close The Caddy Shack Cafe.
