More than 50 people attended a public meeting last year, many voicing their objections to part of the current licensing approval for the proposed Jones’ Beach Bar and Grill at Kiama Downs.

Gavin McKinnon sought to run a restaurant and bar.

However, a post on the restaurant Facebook page last November said the proposal had been put on hold.

At the time, Mr McKinnon, a former Australian Federal Police officer, said there had been a “few issues with the liquor licensing and things like that”. 

This week, Mr McKinnon offered another update via Facebook.

‘‘This will be the last post on this page from me,’’ he posted. 

‘‘Unfortunately due to on going licensing problems and backlash from a minority in the Kiama community Jones’ Beach Bar and Grill will not be opening. 

‘‘This is a classic case of the squeaky wheel gets the oil. 

‘‘I would like to thank the Kiama community for their messages of support and best wishes you have been awesome.

‘‘The premises is now vacant and has massive potential as seen by the support I had.’’

Mr McKinnon was ‘‘disappointed’’ that he had to scrap the proposal, and didn’t have plans at this stage to pursue an alternate site. 

‘‘I packed up back home (in Canberra) and decided to move here to open a restaurant,’’ he said. 

Residents had expressed concerns that some of the stipulations needed for the licence hadn’t been completed, including contacting residents within 100 metres of the site to see if they had any objections.

The site already has DA approval for a restaurant. 

However, the main objection was the proposal for a second licence, a Primary Service Authorisation (PSA), which would allow the service of alcohol without the normal requirement for people to purchase food as well.

Several residents said they feared the site would become like a hotel, which they believe would be inappropriate for the site.

The venue had a liquor license in the past, currently dormant. 

Mr McKinnon had received complaints from residents regarding noise and the previous occupants, a clubhouse for the Rebels motorcycle gang.

Senior Constable Mark Schmidt, licensing officer at the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command previously told the Kiama Independent police were putting together a submission to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority objecting to the PSA.

Following the post, the Facebook page was inundated with comments expressing disappointment.

*Kim Jones Mcdonald: ‘‘Sorry to hear. Real shame, real shame that people are arrogant to change. Their loss. Good luck for the future.’’

*Brin Xandria Mullan: ‘‘The very large majority would have been so happy to see that horrible looking empty space brought bake to life with food and fun.. Instead we will get to continue to look at an unloved empty space...’’

*Wendy Wallace: ‘‘That’s such a bummer. It would have been great. I was also disappointed to hear about adult bullying going on in this community! Sorry.’’

*Susanne Wheatley: ‘‘Sorry to hear. Thanx for trying to bring something new and exciting to our area. Some people just don’t like change.’’

Among those who had pledged their support online was Kiama councillor Andrew Sloan. 

‘‘I don’t understand this,’’ he wrote.

‘‘It never came to council to make a decision, and I think Jones’ really needs somewhere nice to go out and have a meal. 

‘‘The potential is massive as you say. Sorry to see you go but best of luck for the future.’’