Licensing Act Sub Committee - 1 October 2025

The meeting opened with a motion, moved by Councillor Parsons and seconded by Councillor Clegg, to elect Councillor Martin as Chairman for the session. The motion was carried without any declarations of interest. The Chairman introduced the attendees, outlined the procedural framework for the meeting, and invited submissions from the relevant officers and parties.

The Sub‑Committee considered a report concerning an application for a Premises Licence for Sahara City, 38 Cliff Road, Newquay (TR7 2ND). The applicant, Mr Maru, spoke in support of the application, noting that he had previously held the licence for the premises, that the former business owner had not transferred the licence back to him, that he possessed more than 40 years of experience operating licensed premises in Newquay, and that he intended to comply with all licence requirements.

During the question period, members were informed that Mr Maru chose to attend without representation and had been made aware of the option to be represented. He indicated he was unaware that the premises lay within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ); the senior lawyer clarified that this issue had been addressed prior to acceptance of the application, and the applicant’s bookkeeper had declined to include CIZ‑related conditions. Mr Maru also stated that his business would have a positive impact on the area, that the Fire Authority had not received a response to earlier queries because of his health issues, and that he was now complying with the Authority’s requests, having contracted GFS Fire for the necessary work.

Watch Manager B Protection attended on behalf of the fire safety authority and raised several objections. The manager highlighted that only the location of fire extinguishers had been provided by the applicant and that no fire risk assessment, building plans, evacuation procedures, alarm integration details, emergency lighting specifications, or occupancy figures had been supplied despite repeated requests. The building’s mixed‑use nature, with a residential flat above the commercial venue, was identified as an additional safety concern, requiring a clear escape route that may pass through the commercial area. The manager also requested a fire‑safety audit, but no date was confirmed. No further urgent business was raised, and the Committee did not reach a final decision on the licence pending receipt of the additional information.