Licensing Act Sub Committee - 6 August 2025

The meeting opened with a motion moved by Councillor Clemens and seconded by Councillor Dennis to elect Councillor Moorcroft as Chairman for the session. The motion was carried without any declarations of interest.

The Sub‑Committee then considered a circulated report concerning an application for a new premises licence for The Wreck Bar, 1 Fish Street, St Ives, Cornwall. The Licensing Officer (EK) outlined the application, noting that a licence already existed and that the applicant sought a renewal with reference to relevant case law (Uttlesford District Council v English Heritage 2007). The applicant and representatives presented a detailed submission, highlighting agreements with responsible authorities, measures to minimise noise for nearby residents, a comprehensive operating schedule, and a desire to retain the “off‑sales” condition. They also addressed questions about the timing of the application, floor material, the feasibility of an alternative exit, and possible noise mitigation for movable furniture.

A representative from Environmental Protection attended and reported that the authority had attempted to reach an agreement with the applicant via email correspondence. The representative suggested additional conditions to protect residents on the first and second floors and to manage customers entering, exiting, and smoking outside the premises. The committee queried the representative about complaints of noise nuisance, which were confirmed.

Representatives of other local parties also gave evidence, expressing concern that the venue’s multi‑use nature and proximity to a public highway made it unsuitable for the bar’s operation. They alleged that The Wreck Bar had failed to comply with existing licence conditions since opening, and that the situation was affecting a nearby ceramic business.

After hearing all representations, the Sub‑Committee recorded that the matter had been considered and that the report and accompanying submissions would be taken forward for further deliberation. No final decision on the licence was announced at this meeting; the committee indicated that additional information and possible conditions would be reviewed before a resolution is reached.