The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cornwall Council was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Boardmasters Festival. The meeting's agenda included the election of a chairman, apologies for absence, and declarations of interest, before moving to the main item of business.

Boardmasters Festival Premises Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a grant of a premises licence for the Boardmasters Festival at Trebelsue Farm, Newquay, TR8 4AN. The report pack detailed the extensive range of licensable activities requested, including live and recorded music, performance of dance, films, indoor sporting events, late-night refreshment, and the supply of alcohol. The requested hours for many of these activities extended from 10:00 am until 04:00 am, with late-night refreshment requested until 05:00 am. The premises were to be open to the public 24 hours a day, with the exception of Monday until 14:00.

The application proposed a maximum daily capacity of 58,000 people, comprising 53,000 ticket holders and 5,000 staff and performers. A comprehensive Event Safety Management Plan (ESMP) was outlined, detailing measures to promote the licensing objectives, including noise management, alcohol management, traffic management, first aid, counter-terrorism, and safeguarding for children and vulnerable persons. Specific plans for water safety, waste management, and electrical safety were also detailed.

The report pack indicated that six representations had been received from Other Persons and one from a responsible authority. These representations, detailed in Appendices 2 and 3, primarily raised concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance and public safety.

Representations from Devon and Cornwall Police focused on the prevention of crime and disorder, with an agreed representation concerning the installation and operation of a CCTV system. The police requested specific conditions for the CCTV system, including its coverage of key areas, image retention for a minimum of 30 days, and the availability of staff to operate the system.

Concerns regarding the prevention of public nuisance were raised by Will Ashworth of Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay Town Council, Councillor Rowland O'Connor (Cornwall Councillor for St. Columb Major, St. Mawgan & St. Wenn), Councillor John Fitter (Colan Parish Councillor), Mrs Leah Steward, and Abby and Richard Paull of Treloy Touring Park.

Key concerns from these representations included:

• Increased Noise Levels: Several objectors highlighted concerns about the proposed increase in decibel levels for music, particularly the rise from 60 dB LAeq (15min) to 65 dB LAeq (15min) before 23:00, and from 45 dB to 55 dB between 23:00 and 01:00. It was argued that this represented a significant increase in sound intensity and pressure, leading to greater disturbance for local residents and holidaymakers.
• Extended Performance Days: The addition of Thursday as a day for audible music was a significant point of contention, with objectors arguing that this would exacerbate noise nuisance and impact those who work on Fridays.
• Late-Night Noise Controls: Concerns were raised about the proposed late-night noise conditions, with some arguing that the not readily audible stipulation was subjective and difficult to enforce, and that the terminal hours for noise restrictions did not align with the licensable activities.
• Cumulative Impact: For businesses like Treloy Touring Park, which accommodates families in tents and caravans, the cumulative impact of noise over multiple consecutive nights was a major concern, impacting sleep and the overall holiday experience.
• Licence Duration: The application for a perpetual licence was questioned by some, who felt it limited future scrutiny and accountability.

The applicant, Boardmasters Management Ltd, provided responses to these representations, outlining their commitment to being good neighbours and their efforts to manage sound impacts. They explained that the proposed changes were part of a strategic shift to evolve the Thursday offering and ensure competitiveness with other UK festivals, while also aiming to attract a broader demographic. The applicant stated that the proposed 65 dB LAeq,15min was an upper band, not a target, and that sound levels would be actively managed in real-time. They also highlighted engagement with Cornwall Council's Environmental Health team and the creation of a dedicated Sound Management Sub Group.

The report pack also included a comparison table (Appendix 4) detailing the differences between the current licence and the 2026 application regarding noise levels and timings.

The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, taking into account the statutory guidance and Cornwall Council's Licensing Act 2003 Policy. The potential outcomes for the application included granting it as applied for, granting it with additional or amended conditions, or refusing the application.