A cafe in Caroline Bay is a step closer with a recommendation to the Timaru District Council's community development committee that the proposal be allowed to go ahead.

The council's parks and recreation manager, Bill Steans, has recommended that potential cafe locations and establishment guidelines be approved by the council and expressions of interest be sought.

Two cafe sites have been identified: the western end and around the skate bowl and mini-golf areas, or the eastern portion of the bay near the campervan parking area and speed-skating rink.

Mr Steans said the roped off areas of the sand dunes would need to be avoided as evidence had been found of little blue penguins using the area.

"Both indoor and outdoor settings, with the ability to establish windscreens of a sympathetic design to the bay, would be permitted and an ability to hire recreational or beach equipment could be included with the proposal."

He said if the business ceased to trade or buildings became dilapidated, the improvements would have to be removed and the site reinstated at the cost of the owner.

The council has previously decided it will not invest in the facility. Anyone wanting to establish a cafe would need to apply for a liquor licence if they wanted to serve alcohol.

Mr Steans said there was nothing preventing an application being made for a licence, however, there could be an issue on New Year's eve when a liquor ban was enforced in the area.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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