A CONTROVERSIAL bid has been launched for permission to serve booze and host live entertainment at a seafront kiosk in Walton.

Central Kiosk currently serves a range of drinks, snacks and ice creams by the seafront.

But the bid would see it develop into a continental café, selling a range of food and alcohol, as well as being able to host live music on the pavement area.

The kiosk is owned by Tendring Council and run by Lenka Green, who believes the changes could turn it into a major draw and create a tourism boost for the town.

But some concerned residents fear giving the kiosk an alcohol licence would increase anto-social behaviour in the area.

Lenka’s husband Dave Green said: “It is to increase the usage of the kiosk and the area.

“This is an opportunity to give an extra spark to the kiosk and make that area a draw for people.

“It’s not about turning it into a bar and creating an area for yobs.

“It is just about developing the kiosk into a real asset for the community and letting people have an alcoholic drink with their food if they want one."

The new licence would allow the kiosk to serve food and alcohol between 10am and 9pm.