TAVISTOCK Town Council has applied for a premises licence in order to enhance what is offered within the newly restored Butchers’ Hall.

The town council applied to West Devon Borough Council for the licence which would allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises as well as for the provision of films.

The recently restored Butchers’ Hall has been the temporary home to the pannier market’s five day traders since the beginning of the year due to the planned improvements to the Grade II Listed pannier market building.

With works near to completion, preparations are being made for traders to relocate back in time for the re-opening next Friday (May 18), which paves the way for the official launch of Butchers’ Hall and its future usage.

Butchers’ Hall was one of the first buildings in Tavistock to undergo significant repair and restoration work as part of the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI). Tavistock THI is a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported £2.2-million partnership of local authorities, businesses and community organisations delivered by the town council to restore important historic business buildings and public spaces in the town centre.

Rebecca Hadfield, the market development officer, said: ‘In accordance with the HLF, Greater Dartmoor Leaf and Tavistock Town Council (TTC) funding requirements, the central theme underpinning the council’s approach to Butchers’ Hall will be to focus on developing a sustainable, themed market offer which maximises the economic benefit to Tavistock and the surrounding Greater Dartmoor area.

‘By creating a pleasurable experience which is characterised by a range of high quality and diverse goods which reflect the needs and interests of the local community and visitors, it is anticipated Butchers’ Hall will attract an increased footfall into the town and both complement and be distinguished from the established pannier market.’

She added that the town council had been working closely with the licensing authority and Police Licensing Team in order to ensure any events held have ‘appropriate systems in place’ to safeguard both the general public and hirers.

The application for a premises licence is for sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between Monday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm, and the provision of films from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9.30pm.

Anyone wishing to make representations to the application should do so by Tuesday, May 15 by visiting www.westdevon.gov.uk