The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cornwall Council met on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, to consider two applications for premises licences. The committee granted an application to vary the licence for Praa Sands Holiday Village and refused an application for a new premises licence for McDonald's Restaurant Ltd in Helston.

Praa Sands Holiday Village Licence Variation

The Sub-Committee granted the application to vary the premises licence for Praa Sands Holiday Village in Praa Sands, Penzance. The variation sought to extend the hours for the supply of alcohol, extend the opening hours of the premises, and add the provision of films (indoors and outdoors) and late-night refreshment (indoors and outdoors) to the licence.

During the meeting, the applicant highlighted the business's 90-year history, its focus on being a family-friendly holiday park, and stated that they had never received noise complaints. They explained that the variation was sought to increase flexibility during peak times. The committee noted representations from two Other Persons who objected to the application, citing concerns about noise from customers, potential litter, traffic issues, and an increase in anti-social behaviour. However, the committee also noted that no representations were received from the Police or any other Responsible Authority regarding these concerns.

The committee concluded that, on balance, there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of potential negative impacts at this specific premises. They also noted that the impact on other businesses was not a relevant consideration under the Licensing Objectives. The committee felt that the applicant had demonstrated that granting the variation would not negatively impact the Prevention of Public Nuisance Licensing Objective and therefore decided to grant the application as submitted. The committee also noted that the premises licence could be subject to review if issues arose in the future.

McDonald's Restaurant Ltd Licence Application

The Sub-Committee refused the application for a grant of a premises licence for McDonald's Restaurant Ltd in Helston Business Park, Helston. The application sought to allow late-night refreshment from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am daily, with the premises open 24 hours a day.

The applicant, McDonald's, stated that planning permission had already been granted for the premises to operate 24 hours. They highlighted that no representations were received from the Police, Child Protection, Public Health, or the Licensing Authority. McDonald's also referred to national policy frameworks encouraging growth and economic benefits, and detailed their operating schedule, which included measures such as CCTV, a Staffsafe system, daily litter patrols, and scheduled stock deliveries outside of licensable hours. They also noted that no McDonald's restaurant in the UK serves alcohol and that their food and drinks are not served in glass receptacles.

Ten representations were received from Other Persons objecting to the application, primarily on the grounds of the Prevention of Public Nuisance licensing objective. Concerns included the impact on the currently rural and quiet residential setting, potential increases in noise from vehicles and customers, litter, and anti-social behaviour, particularly from boy racers using the nearby roundabout. One representation was received in support of the application, citing the need for modernisation and the employment opportunities it would create.

During the hearing, an Other Person who attended expressed concerns about the impact on the residential setting, potential noise and nuisance from boy racers, and the general suitability of the location for a 24-hour operation. They remained cynical about the lack of objections from Responsible Authorities.

The committee considered the representations and the applicant's submissions. While acknowledging McDonald's as a professional company with a clear operating schedule, the members felt that the specific location of the premises, close to residential areas, was a significant factor. They concluded that the concerns raised about potential noise nuisance, particularly from vehicles visiting the premises throughout the night, were reasonable and would negatively impact local residents and the Prevention of Public Nuisance licensing objective. The committee considered whether conditions could be attached to mitigate these concerns but ultimately decided that, for this specific application at this location, refusal was the most appropriate course of action to promote the licensing objective.