Village cafe owner blasts mystery moaners that could cost her £50k over 'absolutely devastating' reason

A village cafe owner has blasted the behaviour of mystery moaners whose actions could cost her as £50,000. 

Maisie Davies, owner of Cafe Oi/Oi Dumplings in Marsden, West Yorkshire, said her business could be prevented from opening new premises because of an 'absolutely devastating reason'. 

Fellow owner of the Asian fusion restaurant, Mollie Power, said that they were looking to create a coffee shop that turns into an evening dinner spot after moving to a new site. 

But their plans were unexpectedly thwarted by a group of unidentified individuals - who started a separate petition against them getting a drinks licence for remains that are unclear. 

In an attempt to boost their business, the pair launched a Change.org petition, which has gone to be signed by nearly 2,000 people. 

In a statement on June 13, the pair wrote: 'For us to have the best chance at winning this thing, it's essential for you to be present on the day to share your thoughts during the hearing. 

'If you can spare the time, your presence would be greatly valued Let's ensure our voices are heard loud and clear.' 

Maisie and Mollie's plea came due to the requirement of the business to have an alcohol licence as they said they needed to be able to sell alcohol so that their business can stay afloat. 

'If we cannot serve alcohol at our place, then there is a strong likelihood that everything we have invested into our business will be for nothing and that Oi will cease to exist,' the pair said, according to Yorkshire Live.

However, they said that a small group of unidentified individuals had been urging others to sign a separate petition that would not allow the cafe to serve alcohol. 

Addressing the issue, the local business responded: 'We are absolutely devastated that the wills and wishes of a small group of pernicious individuals stands to threaten everything that we have worked so hard to create.

'So far, we have invested our life savings into 9 Peel Street. The current renovation cost is already over £50,000. Money we want to invest into a village that we love.'

As well as launching a petition for an alcohol licence, Maisie and Mollie encouraged supporters to send letters to Kirklees Council's licensing committee - which is due to meet on July 3 to discuss the licence.

Leaving messages of support, those who had signed the petition were unified by their hope that the business would be awarded an alcohol licence. 

Local resident Vicky Cullen wrote: 'I live in Marsden and think Oi have been a wonderful addition to the community. All small businesses are struggling and the council should be doing everything in their power to support them. 

'I would definitely frequent it more if I could have a glass of wine with my meal. It would be discriminatory, in my view, to not permit this licence if there are other businesses within a few metres selling alcohol and food. 

'We want a thriving village centre where we can activley support diverse small businesses please.'

Another comment, from Tracy Thornton, read: 'I love Oi Dumplings and want to see them do well in the village. Everybody likes a glass of wine or beer with their meal. There are several other licensed establishments in the village- why is this different?'

Jacqueline Clarke added: 'I’d like to make a choice and my choice to is have a beer or a glass of wine with my food. 

Very sad a few people are hell bent on not supporting a new business and in turn more revenue for other businesses too and more visitors to the village.'