The Premises / Personal Licences Sub-Committee of Tendring Council is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for the Little Bear Bar in Manningtree. The meeting will also address the minutes of the previous meeting and the election of a chairman.

Grant of a Premises Licence for Little Bear Bar

A significant item on the agenda is the report concerning an application for a premises licence for the Little Bear Bar, located at 7 High Street, Manningtree, Essex. The application, submitted by Mr Callum Muir of Little Bear Bar Ltd, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises.

The report pack indicates that representations objecting to the proposed licensable activity have been received from a responsible authority, the Council's Planning Authority, and from members of the public. The Planning Enforcement Officer, Matthew Ramsden, has raised objections concerning public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. Concerns include the location of the bar on a narrow, unlit road with no pavement, close to a blind bend, which is seen as a significant public safety risk. There are also concerns about noise levels impacting nearby residential properties, particularly given the canyon effect of the surrounding buildings amplifying sound.

Numerous objections from members of the public highlight similar concerns. Residents have reported issues with noise, littering, public urination, and potential anti-social behaviour during previous temporary openings of the bar. Specific worries include the safety of patrons, especially children, due to the proximity of the premises to the road and the lack of adequate barriers. The adequacy of toilet facilities and the potential for increased traffic and parking issues have also been raised.

The application itself details proposed opening hours from 12:00 to 23:00 daily, with alcohol sales permitted during these hours. Non-standard timings are proposed for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The applicant, Callum Muir, has outlined steps to promote the four licensing objectives, including a Challenge 25 policy, incident logging, and staff training. However, the report pack notes a mismatch between the number of toilets indicated in planning application drawings and the licensing application, suggesting potential inaccuracies.

The Sub-Committee will need to consider the application in light of the Licensing Act 2003¹, Tendring District Council's Statement of Licensing Policy², and the Statutory Guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The Human Rights Act 1998³ and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998⁴ are also relevant considerations.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Sub-Committee is scheduled to confirm and sign the minutes of its previous meeting, which was held on Monday, 20 July 2026.

Election of a Chairman

The meeting will commence with the election of a Chairman for the proceedings.