The Licensing Act Sub Committee of Cornwall Council is scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Ten Ten Coffee. The meeting documents outline the procedures for hearings and detail the specific application to be discussed.

Application for Premises Licence at Ten Ten Coffee

The primary item scheduled for discussion is an application for a grant of a premises licence for Ten Ten Coffee, located at 79A Charlestown Road, Charlestown, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3NL. The report pack indicates that this application has generated three representations from other persons ¹, which means the Sub-Committee will need to hold a hearing to determine the application.

The application is for Ten Ten Coffee, described as a small coffee shop with indoor seating for 15 people and an additional 6-8 seats on a small decking area. The initial application sought permission for the supply of alcohol for both on and off-site sales, with requested hours of operation from 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 to 21:00 on Sundays. However, the applicant later amended the request to remove off-sales and adjust the operating hours to 08:00 to 19:30 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 to 16:30 on Sundays. The applicant has stated that no adult entertainment or activities unsuitable for children will take place.

The applicant has outlined steps to promote the four licensing objectives:

• General: Operating as a café with alcohol sales as an ancillary offer, preventing noise and disturbance to neighbours, and welcoming children accompanied by adults.
• Prevention of crime and disorder: Staff training in responsible alcohol retailing, including refusal of service to intoxicated persons and operating a Challenge 25 policy, along with maintaining an incident/refusals log.
• Public safety: Ensuring the premises is not overcrowded, with furniture arranged for safe movement, and staff trained in basic safety procedures.
• Prevention of public nuisance: Operating as a café rather than a bar, keeping noise levels to a minimum, and asking customers to leave quietly.
• Protection of children from harm: Enforcing a Challenge 25 policy, training staff to check identification, and ensuring no inappropriate activities occur.

Representations have been received from Charlestown Parish Council, Councillor James Mustoe, and Richard Hallows. These representations raise concerns primarily related to the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. Specific points include the potential for noise and public disorder in a residential area, operating hours extending beyond the applicant's lease agreement, the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption, and the adequacy of sanitary facilities.

The applicant, Megan Clark, has responded to these concerns, clarifying that the initial hours stated in the application were an oversight and that the proposed hours align with her lease agreement. She has also agreed to an on-licence only application, removing the off-sales request. Ms. Clark has also stated that the premises has a designated toilet facility and that light food options will be provided.

The report pack also includes numerous emails of support for the application from local residents and customers, who highlight the positive contribution Ten Ten Coffee has made to the community and express confidence in the applicant's ability to manage the premises responsibly. They believe that the addition of alcohol sales for occasional early evening events would be a welcome enhancement to the business and the local area.

The Sub-Committee is tasked with determining whether to grant the application, with or without conditions and/or amendments, or to refuse it, providing reasons for their decision. The meeting will follow the established procedure for licensing hearings, allowing all parties to present their case.