Licensing Act Sub Committee - 26 August 2026

The Licensing Sub Committee convened to consider two applications for premises licences. The first item concerned a variation of the Premises Licence for FIVES, 7 Grove Place, Falmouth. Councillor Moorcroft was elected Chairman for the meeting, with no declarations of interest made. The applicant sought to regularise the position by including the front and rear garden areas within the licensed premises, as these areas had not previously been covered by the licence. The applicant emphasised that the application was intended to allow the business to continue operating normally and transparently, and confirmed that all Temporary Event Notices (TENs) had concluded by 11.00pm.

During the hearing, the applicant addressed concerns regarding noise, confirming that it was not in the interests of the business to host live or recorded music in the outdoor areas. It was proposed that only workplace background music would be played externally until 11.00pm to enhance the customer experience. The applicant also confirmed that speakers had already been repositioned below the boundary wall level to minimise the impact on residents, following representations from the Environmental Protection Team. Members were assured that no music had continued beyond 11.00pm under previous TENs and that this would remain the case in the future.

The second item concerned a grant of a Premises Licence for The Booze Bay, 4 Fore Street, St Austell, an off-licence and general store. The applicants attended the meeting and confirmed that they had accepted the conditions recommended by Devon and Cornwall Police. They outlined a range of measures to mitigate risks associated with crime and disorder, including the installation of CCTV, the use of security shutters, the operation of a Challenge 25 policy, comprehensive staff training, and a commitment not to serve alcohol to intoxicated persons. The applicants argued that the representations made by Other Persons should not prevent the granting of the licence, as the application related to a new business and objections should be supported by evidence relevant to the application.

One Other Person attended the hearing on behalf of St Austell Town Council and raised objections, citing concerns regarding crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area. The Town Council opposed the grant of the licence, referencing Cornwall Council's own data which highlighted an increase in anti-social behaviour in the locality. The applicants responded by stating that the premises would operate in accordance with all relevant licensing policies and that the application should not be refused solely on the basis of existing issues within the Town. A third item on the agenda had been withdrawn prior to the meeting due to the Police withdrawing their objection.