The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Three Ferrets in St Ives and a review of the premises licence for Central Grill 2 in Truro. The committee resolved to extend the licensed hours for The Three Ferrets on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am to midnight, and to allow the premises to remain open until 12:30 am on those days, while retaining the existing condition requiring doors and windows to remain closed. The review of Central Grill 2 was adjourned to the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting on 7 October 2026.

The Three Ferrets, St Ives

The Sub-Committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Three Ferrets, located at 17 Chapel Street, St Ives, TR26 2LR, to extend the permitted hours for the supply of alcohol and recorded music from 11:00 pm to midnight, with a closing time of 12:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The application also sought to amend the condition regarding doors and windows, allowing them to be open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

The applicant, Maria Francis, who has held the licence for four years, stated that the requested changes were modest and would aid the business's operation while upholding licensing objectives. She highlighted improvements made to the management and standards of the venue under her operation.

However, three objectors raised concerns about the potential impact on the prevention of public nuisance. They argued that the premises had a history of noise disturbance and customer behaviour issues, and that relaxing the conditions on open doors and windows would exacerbate these problems. They referenced previous applications for similar variations that had been refused and contended that no significant changes had occurred since those decisions. Concerns were also raised about the late submission of supplementary evidence by the applicant.

Representatives from the St Ives Business Improvement District (BID) and Visit St Ives spoke in support of the application, emphasising the importance of hospitality businesses to the local economy and the need for a welcoming environment for customers. They suggested that the current conditions made it difficult for the premises to operate effectively, particularly in warmer weather.

After considering the evidence and submissions, the Sub-Committee resolved to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of recorded music on Fridays and Saturdays only, from 9:00 am to midnight, and to allow the premises to remain open until 12:30 am on those days. All other timings on the licence were to remain as per the current licence. Crucially, the condition requiring windows and doors to remain closed was retained, due to concerns about undermining the public nuisance objective. The Sub-Committee noted that while improvements had been made under the current management, objectors still felt that issues persisted. They felt the extension of hours was reasonable and proportionate given the positive changes, but the condition on windows and doors was necessary to protect residents.

Central Grill 2, Truro

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a review of the premises licence for Central Grill 2, located at 9 Calenick Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2SF. However, due to information provided by the respondent's representative at the commencement of the item, the Chairman determined it necessary to adjourn the hearing. The review has been rescheduled for the Licensing Act Sub Committee meeting on 7 October 2026.