THE owners of what is to be Cockburn’s first small bar say they have felt small reprieve with the granting of a conditional licence to sell alcoholic beverages.
The owners – Cockburn councillor Yaz Mubarakai, wife Jeri, sister Farizia Mundroina and brother-in-law Mehrab Mundroina – have had a tough first few weeks in business after their application for a small bar licence for Café Royal in Cockburn Central was rejected by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor's Liquor Licensing director on the grounds of public interest.
The rejection upset local residents who had intentionally purchased properties surrounding the establishment.
Mrs Mubarakai said that while the family appealed against the decision, they were relieved to receive a preliminary restaurant liquor licence with a permit to serve liquor without a meal.
“We are very excited about it – at least now we have something to work with,” she said.
“We still have to make sure everyone is seated and patrons cannot take drinks from the bar, which kind of defeats the purpose of a small bar where people want to stand with a drink and mingle with friends, but at least it’s something.
“It’s costing me a lot of money because I have to put on extra wait staff, but we are still very hopeful that our appeal on the full small bar licence will be successful.”
Café Royal on Junction Boulevard is open for breakfast, lunch and tapas and drinks in the evening.