Huddersfield cafe owner says ‘pernicious people’ are putting £50,000 investment at risk

Around 2,000 people have backed a cafe’s battle to get a liquor license amid allegations of “malign individuals” trying to scupper the plan.

Maisie Davies, owner of Cafe Oi/Oi Dumplings in Marsden, in Huddersfield’s Colne Valley, started the petition this month to allow the relocating cafe to sell alcohol when it opens on Peel Street in July in the premises formerly occupied by Mario’s.

The business, described as an Asian fusion restaurant, is set to open new premises representing an investment of around £50,000 and according to the owners, the lack of a liquor license could mean the end of their dream. The cafe was based just around the corner and won awards for its food.

Read more: I spent an hour on Huddersfield Street drinking and it was chaotic

Maisie’s petition was in response to what the cafe’s owners described as the actions of a “small group of pernicious individuals” who she said were “vehemently against us serving alcohol or opening later than 6pm”.

In a statement earlier this month, Oi Dumplings said a small group of people had urged others to sign a petition against the cafe serving alcohol.

“We are absolutely devastated that the will and desires of a small group of pernicious individuals could threaten everything we have worked so hard to create.

“So far we have invested our life savings in 9 Peel Street. The current cost of the refurbishment is already over £50,000. Money we want to invest in a village we love”.

The cafe owners said the aim was to create a cafe that would convert into an evening meal, rather than a “late night bar”, but said they needed to be able to sell alcohol to survive as a business.

“If we can’t serve alcohol at our place, then there’s a high probability that everything we’ve invested in our business will be for nothing and Oi will cease to exist.”

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The cafe owners have asked people to send letters of support to Kirklees Council’s licensing committee, which will meet on July 3.

In a separate statement on June 13, owners Mollie Power and Maisie Davies thanked those who signed the petition and the 150 people who wrote letters of support.

“For us to have the best chance of winning this, it is essential that you are present on the day to share your thoughts during the hearing. If you can spare the time, your presence would be greatly appreciated Let’s make sure our voices are heard. loud and clear.”

Only 2,000 people supported the cafe’s petition on Saturday 22nd June.

One man who signed it posted: “This restaurant will be a huge asset to the Marsden community and needs an alcohol license to be financially viable.”

Another wrote: “Drinking in a restaurant is different to having another pub in Marsden.”