Licensing Act Sub Committee - 11 June 2025

The meeting opened with the election of a Chairman. Councillor Clegg moved and Councillor Cador seconded the resolution that Councillor Moorcroft be elected Chairman for the session; the motion was carried without any declarations of interest. The Chairman introduced the parties present and outlined the procedural framework for the items under consideration.

The first agenda item concerned an application for a Premises Licence for Cornish Craft Barn Ltd, located at The Gwel, Kea Downs Road, Chacewater. The Licensing Officer presented the circulated report, and the applicant attended to reiterate that the venue is a small, family‑run café and events space that does not intend to operate as a pub or host large‑scale alcohol consumption. The applicant highlighted measures to limit traffic, avoid light‑pollution, and enforce age‑verification requirements, noting support from existing customers and a prior ten‑year alcohol licence held without incident. No members raised questions, and the Sub‑Committee did not request any further clarification. The applicant’s final submission reaffirmed the business’s community‑focused character and its commitment to mitigating noise and traffic impacts. The meeting concluded with a motion, moved by Councillor Moorcroft and seconded by Councillor Clegg, to act under Section 100A(4) (the specific action was recorded in the full minutes).

The second agenda item dealt with a Premises Licence application for The Ritz on Queen Street, Penzance. The Licensing Officer clarified an administrative error regarding the retention period for CCTV footage, stating the correct period is 31 days rather than the 21 days listed in the application. The applicant, an experienced operator of over twenty similar venues, described the venue’s recent refurbishment, its intended multi‑purpose use (including dance nights, book launches, silent discos, cabaret, live music and other community events), and the flexible operating hours being sought. Emphasis was placed on measures to minimise disturbance, such as staggered dispersal times, door staff for dance nights, and the use of signage and staff to enforce respectful behaviour. No members asked questions, and the Sub‑Committee did not seek additional clarification.

Overall, the Sub‑Committee reviewed both licence applications, recorded the applicants’ assurances regarding traffic, noise, lighting, and responsible alcohol service, and noted the absence of objections or queries from council members. The meeting concluded with the appropriate procedural motions passed, and the matters were forwarded for further consideration in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.