In a startling turn of events, a beloved local cafe was forced to close its doors, laying off eight employees, after three neighbors griped about the aroma of bacon wafting through the air. Yes, you read that right—the much-adored scent of bacon! This peculiar saga saw planning officials take drastic action against The Caddy Shack Cafe, owned by Emma Ayles, a 47-year-old mother of two. Just as the holiday season was approaching, Emma heartbreakingly had to shut down her cherished establishment.
The controversy began when Dorset Council deemed the cafe a nuisance to nearby residents, ruling it caused “unacceptable harm” to their living conditions. Emma had opened The Caddy Shack Cafe in April 2022 by converting a metal shipping container into a delightful cafe, all with the blessing of Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset. The club gave Emma temporary land use as she worked on securing permanent planning permission.
The cafe quickly became a hotspot, with locals, school kids, and individuals on mobility scooters enjoying the cozy atmosphere. It was more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a community hub that brought diverse groups together.
This tranquility was shattered in October 2022 when three homeowners voiced complaints about “noise and odor,” particularly fixating on the sinful smell of bacon and the gentle clinking of teacups. Consequently, Emma’s planning permission was denied in February, and her appeal was dismissed, leaving her no option but to close.
Describing the ordeal as a “constant battle,” Emma said, “It’s been so stressful, wondering week by week if we’d remain open.” Faced with the abrupt closure, just before Christmas, she had the gut-wrenching task of dismissing eight employees. Emma lamented, “Nobody understands why we were shut down. Everyone is shocked.”
The complaints, which seemed rather trivial to many, hinged on the “smell of bacon” and the faint sound of “teaspoons and teacups.” Emma found these grievances absurd, humorously suggesting, “What do they want us to do, use chocolate teacups so there’s no sound?”
Additionally, Emma lambasted the council’s verdict, stressing the negative impact on her loyal patrons, including students from Wyvern School and disabled visitors who favored the cafe’s accessibility. Emma poignantly said, “I just feel bad for the community as groups met at the cafe every day.”
Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club echoed Emma’s disappointment, emphasizing the adverse effects the decision had on both the club players and the community. Anthony Goss, the club’s chairman, acknowledged the difficulty small businesses face and thanked the cafe’s dedicated customers for their unwavering support.
The closure ignited a firestorm on social media, with incredulous users voicing their outrage. Kati Eastwood sarcastically remarked on the frivolous nature of the complaints, while Jon Fells praised the cafe and bemoaned its shutdown.
This incident has sparked a broader debate on balancing local business support with addressal of residential complaints. Whether there will be any resolution or reconsideration of The Caddy Shack Cafe’s closure remains to be seen, but for now, its absence has left a significant void in the community.
