Unexpectedly, three neighbors complained about the smell of bacon permeating the air, forcing a well-liked neighborhood cafe to close its doors and fire eight staff members. Yes, you read correctly—the beloved aroma of bacon! Planning officials acted harshly against the 47-year-old mother of two Emma Ayles, the owner of The Caddy Shack Cafe, as a result of this strange tale. Emma was devastated to have to close her beloved business just as the holidays drew near.
The cafe caused “unacceptable harm” to the living circumstances of the surrounding residents, according to Dorset Council, which sparked the issue. With the approval of the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset, Emma transformed a metal shipping container into a charming cafe that she inaugurated as The Caddy Shack Cafe in April 2022. Emma was granted temporary land use by the club while she attempted to obtain permanent planning permission.
Locals, students, and those on mobility scooters all flocked to the cafe as soon as it opened, taking in the quaint atmosphere. It served as a community center that united many groups and was more than just a spot to acquire food.
This peace was disturbed in October 2022 when three homeowners complained about “noise and odor,” focusing especially on the soft clinking of teacups and the enticing fragrance of bacon. Emma was forced to close after her appeal was rejected and her planning approval was turned down in February.
Emma called the situation a “constant battle,” adding that it has been really difficult to wonder if they would stay open week after week. Just before Christmas, she was faced with the sudden closure and faced the difficult responsibility of firing eight staff. “Nobody understands why we were shut down,” bemoaned Emma. Everyone is taken aback.
Many people thought the complaints about the “smell of bacon” and the faint sound of “teaspoons and teacups” were fairly insignificant. Emma laughed as she said, “What do they want us to do, use chocolate teacups so there’s no sound?” because she thought these complaints were ridiculous.
Emma further criticized the council’s decision, emphasizing the detrimental effects on her devoted clientele, which included Wyvern School students and disabled guests who valued the cafe’s accessibility. “I just feel bad for the community as groups met at the cafe every day,” Emma added with poignancy.
Emma’s dismay was shared by the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, who highlighted the negative impact the decision had on the club players as well as the community. The club’s chairman, Anthony Goss, recognized the challenges small businesses confront and expressed gratitude to the cafe’s loyal patrons for their ongoing support.
On social media, the shutdown set off a firestorm as shocked fans expressed their outrage. Jon Fells both praised and lamented the closure of the cafe, while Kati Eastwood made a caustic comment about how pointless the complaints were.
This incident has spurred a more extensive discussion on how to balance addressing residential complaints with supporting local businesses. It remains to be seen whether The Caddy Shack Cafe’s shutdown will be resolved or given another look, but for the time being, its absence has created a big hole in the town.
