First no-alcohol pub in Weymouth set to open

Works to Dry Dock, a pub-themed venue which has taken over the old Friths Opticians unit on St. Thomas Street, are nearly complete and may see the venue open very soon.

Founder of Dry Dock, Sam Watson, said: “We are now in the position where most of the substantial building work has been completed. The bar has been put in and the building is taking shape.

“We have had lots of support from friends and people from the community and someone that has got involved with the project long term is even loaning us a pool table, dart board and juke box.”

Mr Watson came up with the town centre initiative following his own experiences with alcohol.

He previously told the Dorset Echo: “I struggled with mental health problems and found the solution in alcohol and self-medication, and I ended up as a dependant drinker for a number of years. I have been in recovery for about three and a half years and have not had a drink for about 18 months.

“I feel that I want to give something back to the community because a lot of people got behind me when I was having a tough time and I want to give that back.”

Mr Watson would like to see Dry Dock open by the end of July to the beginning of August, but before the official opening plans to have a soft launch, which will consist of open days and will see the premises open from 10am to around 8pm or 9pm.

It will allow visitors to understand what the project is all about and have a few non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy the live music on offer.

Mr Watson said he ‘very tired’ ahead of the opening as he spent last week working on the project alongside his close friend Jon.

The pair spent the week doing 12 hour shifts to make sure that all the plumbing and construction works were completed.

Mr Watson said he is ‘very excited’ for the no-alcohol premises to finally open following a few unexpected planning issues and would like to invite anyone interested in getting involved in the project to get in touch.

People are invited to pop in and see how things are going, dedicate some time to help out or contribute financially

Works to the no-alcohol premises are coming together (Image: Dry Dock)

Once the project is finally up and running, Mr Watson said he would like to ‘give the project back to the community,’ and offer the use of the space for any community groups who would like to use the space to also get in touch.

You can contact Mr Watson and the Dry Dock team via email at: stayhappy@drydock.org.uk